Michigan State men’s basketball coach Tom Izzo recently reflected on his influential role in the selection of the university’s new athletic director—an opportunity that he says underscores Michigan State’s trust in him and exemplifies a broader vision for the institution.
The appointment of J Batt—formerly athletic director at Georgia Tech—as Michigan State’s new AD marked the culmination of a high-stakes search process in which Izzo played a key part. “I got to be involved … with the president and his selection and with the AD and his selection,” Izzo said. “That’s one thing I’ll say that Michigan State really did for me … they’ve given me the opportunities to help this place grow after I’m gone”
Izzo lauded the university’s collaborative approach, noting that his commitment extended well beyond team basketball. “If everybody felt the same way, we’ll have a better, stronger university,” he added. “I look at my job as … we selected the president. I want to do everything I can to help him be successful. We selected the AD … I want to do everything” (on3.com).
Sources in both publications described the vetting process, in which Izzo participated directly in meetings with Batt, engaging in discussions about the athletic department’s future direction. The coach emphasized that success would be measured not only in wins and losses but in building a sustainable and prosperous athletic ecosystem.
Izzo pinpointed fundraising—especially related to Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities—as a central focus for Batt’s role. “NIL fundraising [is] the most important part of J Batt’s job at Michigan State,” Izzo said, noting that every athletic department will now need to produce significant revenue to support facilities and programs
In addition to operational oversight, Izzo spoke highly of Batt’s leadership strengths. At his official introduction, Batt stressed themes of accountability and culture—principles Izzo found particularly compelling. “When I first met him … accountability and culture are big factors for him,” Izzo shared, referencing prior conversations with leaders like Nick Saban that reinforced those priorities
A former elite athlete himself—Batt was a 2001 soccer national champion at North Carolina—he brings both administrative credentials and athlete-centered insight to the role.
Izzo called this hire “the most important” in Michigan State’s history, underscoring how crucial strong administrative leadership is amid sweeping changes in college athletics: from a new NCAA enforcement structure to transfer and NIL complexities (si.com, on3.com).
As Izzo said: “We have to help people be successful … We selected the AD … I want to do everything.” His words reflect a unified commitment to ensuring that Michigan State’s programs can thrive not only on the court, but across the broader university landscape.
Delegate summary
Tom Izzo, Michigan State’s head coach, spoke about his active involvement in selecting new AD J Batt, highlighting the broader institutional benefits of his participation. He emphasized Batt’s focus on fundraising—especially NIL—and praised his values-driven leadership. Izzo described the hire as “the most important” in school history, underscoring a unified vision to strengthen the athletic department and university overall.
