Tom Izzo Praises Hiring of J Batt as Michigan State’s New Athletic Director
EAST LANSING, Mich. — Michigan State University announced the hiring of J Batt as its new athletic director this week, a decision that has garnered strong support from the Spartan community — including one of its most iconic figures, head men’s basketball coach Tom Izzo.
Izzo, who has served as Michigan State’s head coach since 1995 and brought the program national prominence, expressed enthusiasm and optimism about Batt’s appointment during a press availability Thursday. The Hall of Fame coach spoke candidly about what he sees in Batt and what it means for the future of Spartan athletics.
“I’ve had a chance to sit down with J, and I can tell you he’s a guy who gets it,” Izzo said. “He understands college athletics — not just from the business side, but from the student-athlete perspective, from the coach’s perspective. That’s important here. We need someone who can lead with vision and values.”
J Batt arrives at Michigan State after serving as the athletic director at Georgia Tech and previously working in high-ranking administrative roles at Alabama and North Carolina. His background in revenue generation, donor relations, and strategic planning has drawn praise across the industry. For Izzo, however, it’s Batt’s ability to connect that stands out.
“Look, we’re in a time where college sports is changing fast,” Izzo said, referencing NIL (name, image, and likeness) policies, conference realignment, and the transfer portal. “We need someone who’s not just reacting to the changes but who’s thinking two steps ahead. I believe J is that kind of leader.”
Izzo also pointed to Batt’s collaborative approach as a key strength.
“He’s not coming in here to run things like a corporation. He’s already talking to coaches, to players, to staff,” Izzo said. “That kind of leadership — one that listens before making big moves — is exactly what this university needs right now.”
Michigan State’s athletic department has experienced a turbulent few years, with administrative turnover and public scrutiny following a series of controversies. Izzo acknowledged that healing and forward momentum are necessary.
“We’ve been through some tough times here, and those don’t just disappear overnight,” Izzo said. “But I believe J can help us move in the right direction — with integrity, with accountability, and with a real plan for long-term success.”
Izzo, known for his loyalty to Michigan State and fierce advocacy for student-athletes, said he’s eager to work with Batt and continue building on the university’s athletic legacy.
“I’m excited, man. I really am,” he said. “We’ve got great coaches here, great athletes, great fans. Now we’ve got a guy at the top who I think can pull all that together and elevate the entire department.”
As Michigan State enters a new chapter under J Batt’s leadership, the endorsement from a figure as respected as Tom Izzo sends a strong message: the Spartans are ready to grow, rebuild, and compete — on and off the field.
