EAST LANSING — Tom Izzo shifted responsibilities for Michigan State basketball’s coaching staff. And it starts with a new role for his close friend and consigliere Mike Garland.
Izzo announced Wednesday during the team’s media day that his longtime assistant Garland transitioned into his new position as special assistant to the head coach. That moves Mark Montgomery, who returned to the program this summer, onto the court as an assistant coach along with associate head coach Dwayne Stephens and recently promoted assistant Doug Wojcik.
Izzo said Garland’s primary duties will be to focus on building relationships and helping current and former players with their struggles on and off the court, as well as helping Izzo with film breakdown and strategy.