When Michigan State fired Alan Haller as athletic director May 1, Michigan State named Izzo a co-interim athletic director alongside deputy AD Jen Smith. Taking over the reins of the athletic department and helping hire new AD J Batt, Izzo had more on his plate than just basketball — like always for a coach who’s as active as anyone on the Michigan State campus.Like usual, Izzo put Michigan State first. According to President Kevin Guskiewicz, Izzo denied any extra pay for his temporary role, one he and Smith will remain in until Batt takes over the week of June 16.
“Coach Izzo refused to take any additional compensation,” Guskiewicz told The Detroit News June 1. “He’s like, ‘I love this place. This is who I am. I’m here to help you and serve in this capacity.’”Now, Izzo isn’t exactly working for free. His contract with Michigan State pays him $2.43 million in base salary, let alone all his benefits and bonuses. But Izzo’s free overtime isn’t exactly a surprise. He’s a Michigan State lifer, and the biggest payment, he says, is what Michigan State as a university has given him over 42 years as an assistant and head coach.For me, it’s a lot more than winning and losing. I mean, this is my home,” Izzo told The Detroit News, attending an event supporting Mike Garland’s Champions of the Heart foundation. “That’s why I care about the other sports. That’s why I care about the institution, and that’s why when they need me to do something, I’m going to do it.
“Every university right now is going through tough times. I didn’t need any more money to do a job that was a privilege to do, and so I appreciated (Guskiewicz) offering, and didn’t even think twice about it.”
