OFFICIAL: Suzy Merchant steps down as MSU women’s basketball head coach

Head Coach Suzy Merchant smiles at her team during Michigan State’s 109-44 victory over Florida A&M on November 17, 2022. Photo Credit: Sarah Smith/WDBM

Marin Klein, Women's Basketball Beat Reporter
March 13, 2023

EAST LANSING – Michigan State University announced on Monday that the women’s basketball head coach Suzy Merchant is stepping down effective immediately after 16 seasons with the program, according to an official statement. This was a mutual decision coming from Merchant, Athletic Director Alan Haller and the Michigan State University Vice President

Associate head coach Dean Lockwood will serve as interim head coach as the university conducts a search for the vacant head coach position.

“It is with a heavy heart that I announce I am stepping down from Michigan State University due to health reasons,” Merchant said. “After much consideration and consultation with my healthcare providers, I have come to the difficult decision that it is in my best interest. I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to the entire Michigan State community, including the administration, faculty, and staff.”

Merchant finishes her time at MSU with a 327-186 record, leading the team to two Big Ten titles and 10 NCAA tournament appearances. During her 2021-2022 season, she reached 500 career wins and just one game later her 300th win as the head coach of the Spartans. 

“We are grateful to Coach Suzy Merchant for her contributions to Michigan State women’s basketball and Spartan Athletics over the last 16 seasons,” Haller said. “Beyond the team’s on-court success, she invested considerable time and energy into our local community as a leader and a role model for young people.”