Source: Izzo closer to taking Cavs' job

Say it ain't so, Coach! Personally, I would hate to see Coach Izzo leave Michigan State and the Big Ten; he is an honest, classy man and an outstanding coach who is greatly respected, not only here in Champaign, Illinois and throughout the Big Ten Conference, but all over the country. But this might be his best opportunity to try his skills in the NBA: Reports indicate that $6 million a year (for five years) is on the table (double Izzo's current salary at MSU), and Cavs owner Dan Gilbert is a Michigan State alum.

As for a potential replacement for Izzo, I would guess that MSU would strongly pursue Brian Gregory, the former assistant to Izzo at Michigan State and, currently, the successful head coach at the University of Dayton. I think Gregory would be a great fit at Michigan State. But Izzo isn't gone yet...

This just in: It was just reported on ESPN News that Michigan State students have organized a rally - in support of Coach Izzo - that will be held tonight at the Breslin Center in East Lansing.

Updated: June 10, 2010, 4:08 PM ET
ESPN.com news services

Tom Izzo is apparently closer to saying yes to the Cleveland Cavaliers than previously thought, a source told ESPN.com's Andy Katz on Thursday.

That source discussed Izzo's future with a close confidant of Izzo's who is coaching in the NBA. The source told Katz that Izzo, who talked to his team earlier this week about his interest in the Cavaliers, is leaning toward taking the job if it is offered.

"Three weeks ago that wasn't the case, but it has changed,'' the source said.

A person familiar with his travel plans told The Associated Press that the Michigan State coach arrived in Cleveland on Thursday afternoon. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the Cavs are not commenting on their coaching search.

Izzo landed at County Airport in Richmond Heights, Ohio. His plane, which left East Lansing, Mich., was diverted there because of the number of TV cameras at Burke Lakefront Airport, the person said. Cavs owner Dan Gilbert did arrive at Burke, which is a short drive from Quicken Loans Arena, the Cavs' downtown home.

"Coach Izzo made me aware he is meeting with Cleveland," Michigan State athletic director Mark Hollis said in a statement. "The details of any meetings are between him and me."

Izzo isn't the only coach interested in the Cavaliers' job, which may or may not include the chance to coach free agent LeBron James. Wednesday night, an NBA Eastern Conference executive with knowledge of the Cavaliers' thinking told ESPN The Magazine's Chris Broussard that Byron Scott is a strong candidate to be offered the job.

The executive told Broussard that Scott is on equal footing with Izzo.

Source: Izzo closer to taking Cavs' job