Tom to Tucson: Izzo Rumored to Be Top Candidate for Arizona Job

BREAKING: Tom To Tucson - Izzo Top Candidate for Arizona Job

Originally Reported Nov. 14, 2008 on The Beardown.

Breaking news from McKale Center. There are current unconfirmed reports that, among others, Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo has tossed his hat in the ring for serious consideration to fill the Arizona men's basketball head coaching vacancy. 

Izzo, who has been the Head Spartan for Michigan State since 1995, has often been considered a leading candidate in many job openings. Most recently his name was mentioned in the possible replacements for Tubby Smith in Kentucky after his departure in 2007. He quickly shot that rumor down. ESPN's lead college basketball guru Andy Katz has cited coach Izzo with the success of the program in East Lansing over the last decade-plus.  

As opposed to when his name was in contention for the Kentucky job, sources have informed me that Izzo reached out to the AD's office in Tucson. Landing Izzo in Tucson would be a the Cats best chance at avoiding too lengthy of a rebuilding process.  

Others listed in the first batch of candidates Arizona is rumored to be considering are Mark Few of Gonzaga and John Calipari from Memphis. Calipari being an interesting suggestion as former Arizona assistant Josh Pastner left Arizona for Memphis after a lengthy tenure beginning with his playing days in Tucson.

Calls to both the Arizona and Michigan State Athletic Departments were not returned.