Chris Beard, Ole Miss Meet Hall of Fame Head Coach Tom Izzo Again in NCAA Tournament: What’s Changed
As the 2025 NCAA Tournament heats up, a familiar and exciting matchup is set to unfold. Ole Miss head coach Chris Beard will face off once again against Michigan State’s Hall of Fame coach Tom Izzo in the Sweet 16. While the two have crossed paths before, most notably in the 2018 NCAA Tournament when Beard was at Texas Tech and Izzo led Michigan State, this latest showdown offers a fresh perspective on what has changed for both coaches and their respective programs.
For Chris Beard, his career has seen a meteoric rise in the past few years. After leading Texas Tech to the 2019 national title game, Beard made the move to Ole Miss in 2023, inheriting a program in need of a cultural and competitive overhaul. Since his arrival, Beard has revitalized the Rebels, bringing a level of toughness, defensive intensity, and discipline that had been missing from Ole Miss basketball for years. Under Beard’s leadership, the Rebels have made a deep tournament run in just his second season, a testament to his ability to instill winning habits quickly.
One of the most significant changes Beard has made at Ole Miss is his approach to defense. Known for his “no middle” defensive schemes, Beard has transformed the Rebels into one of the most disruptive teams in the nation. His emphasis on defensive rebounding, pressuring the ball, and forcing turnovers has been a cornerstone of Ole Miss’s success this season. Beard’s teams are known for their grit, and the Rebels’ hard-nosed defensive mentality has carried them through the toughest games in the tournament.
This defensive approach will be crucial against a Michigan State team that thrives on toughness and physicality under Izzo. While Izzo’s teams are traditionally known for their strong defense and emphasis on fundamentals, Beard’s Ole Miss squad may have the upper hand in terms of defensive versatility. With a strong group of players capable of switching on screens and a deep bench that allows for fresh legs throughout the game, Beard’s defense will test Michigan State’s offensive execution.
For Tom Izzo, the 2025 NCAA Tournament is another opportunity to add to his illustrious legacy. A Hall of Fame coach with a career spanning over 25 years at Michigan State, Izzo has built one of the most respected programs in college basketball. Known for his ability to get the most out of his players, especially in March, Izzo has become synonymous with tournament success. His Spartans are always well-prepared, tough, and able to execute in high-pressure moments, and this year’s team is no different.
Izzo’s philosophy has always been centered around strong defense, physical play, and getting key contributions from veteran players in big moments. This season, Michigan State has relied on its experienced upperclassmen to provide leadership, while also mixing in younger talents who have contributed to the team’s balanced offensive and defensive gameplans. The Spartans’ ability to slow down the tempo and execute in the half-court offense has made them a dangerous team in March.
When Beard and Izzo last met in the 2018 NCAA Tournament, Beard’s Texas Tech squad outlasted Izzo’s Michigan State team in a gritty, defensive battle, securing a trip to the national championship game. Since that meeting, both coaches have seen their careers evolve in distinct ways. Beard has established himself as a rising star with championship aspirations, while Izzo has continued to cement his legacy as one of college basketball’s most enduring figures.
As the two prepare to meet again, the coaching styles of Beard and Izzo are more aligned than ever before. Both teams will look to dominate the game through defense and tough play. However, the difference now is that Beard’s Rebels have proven they can execute at the highest levels in just a few short years, while Izzo’s program continues to thrive through decades of sustained excellence.
The stakes for this Sweet 16 matchup couldn’t be higher. For Beard, a victory over Izzo would solidify his reputation as one of the top young coaches in college basketball and push Ole Miss closer to an unlikely Final Four berth. For Izzo, this game represents another chance to add to his legendary career and guide Michigan State back to the national stage.
As they meet again on the tournament stage, one thing is clear: both coaches have evolved, but their commitment to defense and hard-nosed basketball remains the same. The outcome of this Sweet 16 battle will not only determine which team advances, but it will also add another compelling chapter to the careers of two of the most respected figures in college basketball.
