“My whole life was shaped in this building. Maybe I’m leaving too soon, I don’t know,” said an emotional Mike Woodson as his Indiana Hoosiers rallied from a 10-point deficit to win 66-60 against Ohio State in his final game at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall. The 4 short years at Indiana come to an end for the 2004 NBA champion assistant coach. And now, the search for a successor is in full swing. But is it that easy to find a replacement for someone who gave his heart and soul to the Hoosiers?
Probably not. Joe Tipton of the on3 sports has received some intel regarding the head coach hunt for Indiana as they prepare for life after the veteran head coach who developed players like Trayce Jackson Davis and Jalen Hood-Schifino in the program. The Hoosiers have shortlisted 8 head coaches. So easy way forward, right? Oh no, the obstacles are already on the way.
The top name on the list to replace coach Woodson was former student manager and current Michigan head coach Dusty May. However, the Indiana native has signed an extension with UM, securing his future in Ann Arbor just last month. Iowa State’s TJ Otzelberger and Baylor’s Scott Drew were also considered, but it seems both coaches are satisfied with their current roles. Despite the speculation, neither is likely to leave, as both are enjoying considerable success in their current programs. So who’s next?
Ole Miss head coach Chris Beard, a former assistant under the late Bob Knight at Texas Tech, was considered by some, but according to Tipton, it’s unlikely athletic director Scott Dolson will go this route. Why? It is due to Beard’s shaky history, which involved him getting arrested for a third-degree felony charge. But the bad news doesn’t stop there!
Indiana Head Coach Mike Woodson during the Indiana versus University of Southern California men’s basketball game at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall on Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025.
Texas A&M’s Buzz Williams has also been mentioned, but his interest seems minimal. Creighton head coach Greg McDermott might have some interest, but it appears Indiana hasn’t pursued him yet.
So who are they actively pursuing? According to Tipton, there are two more names — Drake’s Ben McCollum and Clemson’s Brad Brownell. McCollum, a four-time Division 2 national champion at Northwest Missouri State, took over at Drake last offseason. In his first year, he led the Bulldogs to win the Missouri Valley regular season and conference tournament, securing an NCAA tournament spot!
Indiana native Brad Brownell is another name to watch. He’s been at Clemson since 2010 and led the Tigers to an Elite Eight appearance last season. Currently ranked 10th in the AP Poll, Brownell has proven his ability to compete at the highest level, making him a strong contender for the job. Before athletic director Scott Dolson makes any decisions, he knows there’s still plenty of basketball left to be played. Mike Woodson and his Hoosiers are gearing up for the Big Ten Tournament. Let’s take a look at that.
What’s next for Mike Woodson and co?
“But at the end of the day, it’s not about me right now. It’s still about this team and us going up to Indianapolis and trying to win the Big Ten tournament,” said Mike Woodson as he gets ready to lead his team in his final Big Ten tournament as Indiana’s head coach.
Indiana Head Coach Mike Woodson talks with Kanaan Carlyle (9) during the Indiana versus University of Southern California men’s basketball game at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall on Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025.
The Hoosiers earned a first-round bye after finishing 9th in the Big Ten with a 10-10 conference record. They’ll take on the Oregon Ducks on March 13th at the iconic Gainbridge Fieldhouse. It won’t be an easy matchup, as the Ducks are riding a seven-game win streak, and will be a tough challenge. Indiana was on the losing side the last time these two teams met, adding extra motivation for this clash.
Woodson knows their March Madness journey heavily depends on how his team performs in the tournament. With a 4-12 record against Quad 1 teams, the Hoosiers have their work cut out for them. However, they’re 15-0 against Quad 2-4 teams and will be hoping that a strong tournament run could extend Coach Mike Woodson’s tenure for a few more games. Stay tuned for more updates!
The post Indiana Chase 8 Coaches to Replace Mike Woodson Only to Hit Rock Bottom appeared first on EssentiallySports.
