EAST LANSING – Tom Izzo opened his press conference on Monday afternoon with breaking news.

“I figured since everybody’s resigning, you’d be the first to know that I’m resigning today,” the Michigan State coach said jokingly.

Izzo, now in his 31st season leading the program, opened practice on Monday just as Auburn coach Bruce Pearl announced he’s done after 11 years. His son, associate coach Steven Pearl, will take over the Tigers.

Mark Dantonio, who retired in 2019 as Michigan State football’s winningest coach, was in East Lansing after hearing the news and made his former longtime colleague an offer.

“A little surprising,” Izzo said of Pearl’s decision, “but Coach Dantonio just told me he’d take over for me.”

Izzo, who led the Spartans to 30 wins, a Big Ten title and trip to the El

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