Michigan State coach Tom Izzo on Bill Carmody firing:

"You know, I understand we're in a profession where it's win or not. I swear to God the guy is a hell of a coach and even a better person, and I'm not going to get into all the logistics of everything because everyone has got to make their own decision, but sometimes fate isn't with you. I've never seen a guy go through more injuries to key people. I hope they know what they're doing. I'm sure they do because he is a hell of a coach, and he's really good for our profession. You know, he's been a head [coach in] the Big Ten and I've had a chance to deal with him.

"I called him this morning. It saddens me, sickens me.

"I understand that -- I mean, [former Michigan State football coach] George Perles sent me a note the first day I got the job, you will be fired, it's just a matter of when, so understand that. I think there's a reality and truth to that. It's a little different from last year's situation for me. I understand some of it.

"But poor guy, about two or three times I thought had teams that were going to get to the NCAA Tournament, and then the injuries just mounted up, and this year's was almost -- it was incredible. So I feel bad. I hope he stays in coaching because he is a hell of a coach."

Indiana coach Tom Crean:

"The first thing that came to my mind is when [defensive coordinator] Rob Ryan lost his job with the Dallas Cowboys. He said he would be out of work about five minutes. I doubt Bill Carmody will say that but that should be the case.

"He's a great basketball coach. He's done a phenomenal job at the university. He did a phenomenal job long before that. He should be one of the more higher demand coaches. All anybody should have to look at is what Bruce Weber has done this year at Kansas State after leaving Illinois. Bill Carmody should get the same opportunity in some other league and I'd be shocked if he didn't have great success.

"I don't now him well personally but I know him enough to have great respect for him. What I see on film and going against him, I have incredible respect for."

Wisconsin coach Bo Ryan:

"I know administrators have a profession, the university officials have a profession, and coaches have a profession. So whatever decisions are made in that profession, I'm not going to get into.

I can tell you this: Bill has not forgotten anything about the game. He knows the game. His system is so tough to prepare for, and, you know, he did a lot of good things. I know he's very well respected in the coaching field and I know he's a guy that has done our profession a lot of good and he's made us proud.

"All I can say is I wish Bill the best of luck because I have a hell of a lot of respect for him. [Some] decisions are made are made by other people, but you won't find a coach that won't tell you that they respect Bill Carmody. They all do, top to bottom."

Ohio State coach Thad Matta:

"Two things: Number one, I think Bill Carmody maybe has the best offensive mind of any coach I've ever seen in my life. And the second thing is, knock on wood, I think he could be the most unlucky with the injuries just in the time that I've been in this league [nine years]. It is amazing to see the things that have happened to his teams, and they happened in such a timely fashion. I mean, I think we were No. 1 in the country a couple years ago, and John Shurna runs into a basket support and has a concussion, can't play against us, we go down to the wire, and he was playing at such a high level.

"You look at who could win and keep coaching those guys and stay competitive with what he lost this year, it's mindboggling.

"You get to know guys, I think he's one of the greatest human beings, and like I said, I think he can coach as well as anybody.

But unfortunately that's kind of how this business goes. But I hate to see it. I hate to see that happen to anybody."