EAST LANSING - Michigan State head basketball coach Tom Izzo named Mike Garland as an assistant coach replacing Jim Boyland who departed to become head coach at Utah. In addition, Izzo elevated Mark Montgomery to associate head coach, making him Izzo's lead assistant.
For Garland, he returns to MSU after a less than successful stint at Cleveland State where he compiled a 23-60 record atop the Vikings including losses to Michigan State under Garland's tenure.
The Vikings were at rock bottom when Garland attempted to resurrect the program. In consecutive seasons he went 4-25, 9-17 and topped out at 10-18. However, Izzo was happy to welcome back one of the men who helped him establish the program at Michigan State.
"We are thrilled to have Mike Garland back at Michigan State," said Izzo. "Certainly my loyalty and friendship played a role. But even more importantly, I'm excited to add someone who was here through our championship and Final Four runs, and helped build this program from the ground up.
In naming Montgomery associate head coach, Izzo tabbed someone who has grown under him steadily for the last four seasons.
"Mark Montgomery has earned a promotion to associate head coach. He has really grown in the job over the past six seasons and elevated all aspects of his coaching, from his court teaching, office management and certainly recruiting. He has positioned himself as the next Spartan assistant likely to get a head coaching job. Other people are starting to recognize his abilities, as shown by FoxSports.com naming him one of 10 assistants ready to become a head coach. That's a nice honor for Mark, but one he deserves."
The addition of Garland completes the staff of Izzo, Montgomery, Stephens and Garland.