It's been a stressful nine days for Coach Tom Izzo and his family, and for his Michigan State family as well.

"It was a tougher decision than even I could imagine," Athletic Director Mark Hollis said.

Hollis said he spent many hours in Izzo's office talking through the pros and cons. He said he understood why the coach had to take a serious look at the NBA.

"I think the job was a perfect situation," Hollis said. "It has the greatest player playing today. It's in the Mid West, the owner is an MSU grad, it has a new GM. I think those were the reasons he took a serious look."

Hollis said he knew where Izzo stood all along, but did not get official word until 6:30 p.m. Tuesday.

President Lou Anna K. Simon said it was important to give the coach time to work the process out, but now that it's said and done, she's happy with the outcome.

"We had a commitment from Tom that he would talk with us before he made a decision," Simon said. "We trusted him and we believed he deserved the opportunity to take the time he needed. I believe we achieved that goal."

Now the president, the athletic director, and the coach are all on the same page. They want to make MSU the best athletic program in the country.