Michigan State women’s basketball coach Suzy Merchant is stepping down, the school announced Monday. Here’s what you need to know:
- According to Merchant, she is stepping down “due to health reasons.”
- Associate head coach Dean Lockwood will be the interim coach while a head coaching search takes place.
- Merchant coached the Spartans for 16 seasons, compiling a 327-186 record.
Thank you for everything, Coach Merchant!
📰: https://t.co/74ElZ0pSEO pic.twitter.com/YWIwGRj8tg
— Michigan State Athletics (@MSU_Athletics) March 13, 2023
The Athletic’s instant analysis:
What is Merchant’s legacy at MSU?
Merchant’s tenure brought the type of stability that’s enjoyed around Michigan State basketball. She arrived in 2007 from Eastern Michigan and spent the next 16 years guiding the Spartans. The program had success — two Big Ten titles and 10 NCAA Tournament appearances — but only made it past the first weekend in March once (2009 Sweet 16).
Merchant hadn’t been with the program since a January car accident resulted in health issues, making this change not entirely surprising. That said, her replacement will be only the fifth coach in program history, thanks to Karen Langeland’s 24-year tenure (1976 to 2000). — Quinn
Candidates to succeed Merchant
While MSU…
