Michigan State men’s basketball head coach Tom Izzo spoke about coaching Buffalo Bills wide receiver Keon Coleman and his ceiling as a basketball player for the Spartans. Coleman also played football for the Spartans before going to Florida State and being drafted by the Bills.
Tom Izzo Reflects on Coaching Keon Coleman at Michigan State
Izzo appeared on “Up & Adams” and reflected on Coleman’s time playing basketball for the Spartans. When Adams asked Izzo what he liked about coaching Coleman during his basketball playing days, he said, “You know I love coaching football guys because there’s a different toughness to them.”
The coach added, “I helped recruit him; he was absolutely a really good basketball player. If he would’ve put all his efforts into basketball, I think he could’ve been a good player.” Izzo expressed his desire for Coleman to have a big year in 2026 with the Bills.
Tom Izzo on Keon Coleman:
“If he would’ve put all his efforts into basketball, I think he could’ve been a good player.”
(And no Niagara Falls visit for Coach.)
pic.twitter.com/kFwGQAv4AP
— Kay Adams (@heykayadams) March 24, 2026
Coleman was a four-star recruit out of Opelousas Catholic School in Louisiana’s Acadiana region. He committed to Michigan State and played in 22 games and grabbed 65 passes in his two-year stint with the Spartans. He also briefly played basketball in high school, averaging 26 points per game as a junior.
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He developed a strong relationship with Izzo throughout the 2021-22 season and appeared in 6 games for the Spartans’ men’s basketball team. Coleman was fully committed to football throughout his college career. He and Izzo mutually agreed that it would be better for Coleman to keep his focus on the football field in January 2023.
Coleman then transferred to Florida State shortly after his time with the Spartans. Coleman is entering his third season with the Bills.
Per PFSN’s WR metrics, Coleman caught 38 receptions on 59 targets with 4 receiving touchdowns in 2025. The star receiver has remained close with Izzo since their time together on the court.
They both remain in constant communication with one another. A ringing endorsement from one of the most accomplished coaches in college sports history is nothing to sniff at. The fact that Izzo still roots for Coleman speaks volumes about their relationship and mutual respect.
Izzo will be getting his team ready for No. 2 UConn in the 2026 Men’s Basketball Tournament on Friday. Michigan State will be playing at a neutral site, and the game is scheduled to start at 9:45 p.m. Coleman is prepping for his third season in the NFL.
