Tom Izzo on placing limitations on coach movement and buyouts: ‘That’s all fair’

Michigan State basketball head coach Tom Izzo doesn't have a problem with limitations placed on coach movement and buyouts. Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Izzo said if administrators want to enforce that, then he will support the move.

"That's all fair," Izzo said, per Connor Earegood of Detroit News. "I still have a buyout. 32 years, I might be the only guy in captivity that has a buyout. I have no problem with that. These people out there that are shooting their mouths off that coaches can leave whenever they want; most coaches have pretty good buyouts. If you ask me, if that's what administrators wanted to enforce, I'm all for it. I have no problem with that.

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"I do think what you own over 32 years or 40 years compared to people who haven't even played in a game in college, that's a ridiculous argument by a couple of key people that we all know who they are on VidCon TV, which is ridiculous."

This week, the Senate passed the Protect College Sports Act by a 77-22 vote. Izzo supports the bill that includes the "Lane Kiffin Rule," which would prevent any FBS coaches from leaving a new head coaching job in-season at a new school before the end of their team's season.

Before the passage of the Protect College Sports Act, senators considered a proposed amendment that would have put a $5 million salary cap on college football coaches. The amendment failed to be included.

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Tom Izzo received a raise in December

Michigan State does not have to worry about Izzo's buyout because it's not like the school will fire him. In December, Izzo received a $1 million raise in his five-year contract that automatically renews annually. He makes around $7.2 million per year, according to ESPN.

"Coach Izzo is the ultimate Spartan — someone whose work ethic and devotion to our student-athletes, this university, and the broader MSU community are unmatched," Michigan State president Kevin M. Guskiewicz said at the time. "We believe deeply in his ability to uphold our values, develop champions, and continue building one of college basketball's premier programs."

Tom Izzo has been Michigan State's head coach since 1995. During his time with the Spartans, Izzo has won 11 Big Ten regular-season championships and six Big Ten tournament championships. He has reached the Final Four eight times and won the national title in 2000.