Head women's basketball coach Suzy Merchant during Michigan State’s game against Prairie View A&M on Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2022 at the Breslin Center. The Spartans ultimately beat the Panthers, 98-50.
—Michigan State athletics announced Monday afternoon that head women's basketball coach Suzy Merchant would be stepping down from her role as head coach effective immediately.
Merchant got into a car accident on Jan. 28 this year due to an undisclosed medical incident, and did not return to the team for the remainder of the season.
“It is with a heavy heart that I announce I am stepping down from Michigan State University due to health reasons,” Merchant said in a statement. “After much consideration and consultation with my healthcare providers, I have come to the difficult decision that it is in my best interest.”
Merchant was a staple in the Michigan State community for 16 years, ending her tenure with a record of 327-186.
“We appreciate everything Coach Merchant has meant to our community. Her two Big Ten titles and 10 NCAA Tournament appearances provided lasting memories,” Athletic Director Alan Haller said in a statement. “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.”
Interim head women's basketball coach Dean Lockwood will remain as acting head coach while a national coaching search is conducted for Merchant's replacement.
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