Mike Woodson Set to Return as Indiana Basketball Head Coach for Fourth Year

Basketball coach Mike Woodson will be around for the next season even if the Indiana Hoosiers have had a difficult season, according to a number of reports released on Wednesday. 

Woodson, 65, has guided the team to the NCAA tournament twice in his first two seasons, accumulating an overall record of 60-39 during his three-year tenure.

Last season marked a high point for Woodson’s coaching career at Indiana, with the Hoosiers finishing second in the competitive Big Ten and reaching the second round of the NCAA tournament. 

However, the current season has presented its share of difficulties, with Indiana holding a 16-13 record and a recent 4-8 slump over the last 12 games, resulting in a drop to the ninth spot in the Big Ten standings.

The decision to retain Woodson comes with an understanding of the financial implications, as firing the coach would trigger a substantial $12.6 million buyout. While the contract allowed for annual disbursements of $1 million, the program opted to give Woodson an opportunity to turn things around and revive the team’s performance.

Mike Woodson’s Hoosier Coaching Roots

Mike Woodson, an Indianapolis native and former Hoosier basketball star, brings a wealth of coaching experience, including stints as the head coach of the Atlanta Hawks and New York Knicks during his three-decade-long career. His NBA background, coupled with a successful playing career, positions him as a key figure to draw upon in rejuvenating the Hoosiers’ program in his fourth year.

In an intriguing subplot, fan-favorite Dusty May, currently the head coach at Florida Atlantic, had been considered a potential candidate for the Indiana coaching position. 

Born in Peoria, Illinois, and raised just 30 minutes from the Indiana University campus, May shares ties with the program, having worked as a student manager and later in an administrative role from 2002-05. 

While May has been linked to other coaching opportunities, his connections to Indiana may have made him a natural fit for the Hoosiers. However, for now, it seems the program is putting its faith in Woodson to navigate the challenges ahead.