Tom Anastos to step down as head coach of Michigan State

By @MichaelCaples –

Michigan State has announced that Tom Anastos is stepping down as head coach of the Spartans’ hockey program.

“I want to thank Tom Anastos for the guidance he’s provided Spartan hockey over the last six seasons,” said athletic director Mark Hollis in a release. “He would be the first to admit that he wished there were more on-ice victories, but he built a program that was a great value to our community. His student-athletes were successful in the classroom and were great representatives of the athletic department and the university as a whole with their commitment to community outreach.

“A loyal Spartan for more than three decades, Tom Anastos has given so much to Michigan State. He’s had a positive impact on our entire department, well beyond the ice rink. Tom’s an amazing individual whose passion for Michigan State is unsurpassed. He and his wife Lisa and their five children will continue to be valued members of our Spartan family.”

Anastos was named the sixth head coach of the MSU hockey program in 2011 after serving as commissioner of the Central Collegiate Hockey Association for 13 years. He posted a 78-122-24 record in six seasons with Michigan State, the program he played for from 1981-1985 under Ron Mason.

“When I first became head coach I established my own timeline for the program’s development,” Anastos said in the release. “After a review of our season, and in spite of the progress we have made in so many areas, we have not met my expectations. As a leader, I believe that you must always make every decision based on what’s in the overall best interests of the program, and never put personal interests first.  After lengthy conversations with Mark Hollis, I am stepping down from my role to help facilitate a change in leadership and direction for Spartan hockey.

“I’m truly grateful for the opportunity and support provided by our administration, especially that of Mark Hollis and President Simon.  Michigan State is a special place to me and my family, and what makes it so special are its people. I appreciate the support and relationships that I’ve developed with the fans, boosters, alumni and media. I have loved working with our incredible group of coaches throughout the department, the most passionate and hardest working group of athletic administrators in all of college athletics, and most of all, the hockey coaches, support staff and student-athletes.”

Assistant coach Tom Newton will serve as interim head coach while a national search is conducted to replace Anastos.