Report: Tom Izzo is reportedly backing Kenny Atkinson for Cleveland Cavaliers head coach

Dan Gilbert’s trust in Izzo could help Atkinson secure the opening.

It wouldn’t be a Cleveland Cavaliers coaching search if there wasn’t some kind of Tom Izzo rumor thrown in there. This time, it’s who Izzo is supposedly backing and not Cleveland’s desire to get the college coach onto their sideline that’s the source of the rumor.

Marc Stein has reported that Izzo is supporting Kenny Atkinson in Cleveland’s head coaching search. “Potentially boosting Atkinson’s chances: Legendary Michigan State coach Tom Izzo is said to be an Atkinson fan,” Stein wrote. This is important due to Dan Gilbert having “significant involvement” in the decision and his respect for Michigan State basketball.

Koby Altman said during his end-of-season press conference that Gilbert would have a “big influence” on the coaching search.

“Dan will for sure play a role at the end when I present him with our finalists,” Altman said last month. “Dan gives incredible insight. I love when he’s involved because it’s just helpful. It gives you support. But also, he thinks outside the box. He pushes you. And so I’d say at the end it certainly would have a big influence on what we do.”

Gilbert is a Michigan State alum and has long been infatuated with their program, and in general, all college basketball from his home state. This is one of the things that led to the John Beilein hire in 2019. Hiring Atkinson would be justifiable in a way that the Beilein hire isn’t in hindsight. And there are reasons to believe he’s the best candidate for the position.

The Cavs fired Bickerstaff exactly a month ago. At the time, Altman said at the time that they would like to have a coach in place for the NBA Draft. For them to do so, they would need to make a decision before Thursday.