Mike Woodson’s tenure as Indiana’s head coach was a rollercoaster—two NCAA Tournament appearances in four seasons, followed by two years of postseason drought. The writing was on the wall after Indiana’s five-game losing streak. But whether the HC’s retirement was a personal decision or a strategic move to avoid being dismissed, one thing is clear—the Indiana community isn’t ready to turn the page just yet. At least they aren’t happy with the new choice.
There may have been chants to fire Woodson following one of his poorer seasons. But with Indiana’s move so swift– a new coach only days after the Selection Sunday, there were quite a few to note that the former HC’s tenure wasn’t realized between the noise over recent decline. Trayce Jackson-Davis, now a rising NBA player, one among them.
Jackson-Davis himself came to Woodson’s defense, posting on social media: “You didn’t have to take the job, but you did. After all the criticism and threats, you stood tall. Hell of a coach, regardless of what the trolls say.”
After 4 seasons, Darian DeVries will be taking over the reins at IU. And is he the right man? Well, Maybe! DeVries is no stranger to turning programs around. His impressive 150-55 record at Drake and a respectable 19-13 season at West Virginia prove he’s capable.
NEWS: Indiana is hiring West Virginia head coach Darian DeVries, source told @On3sports. https://t.co/gRPH6OhGIK pic.twitter.com/VkFRjwKV2C
— Joe Tipton (@TiptonEdits) March 18, 2025
However, Indiana is a different beast. This is a program with five national championships, yet it has only made the NCAA Tournament twice in the last nine years. The expectations aren’t just about making the tournament; they’re about restoring Indiana’s dominance. The immediate challenge for DeVries? Looks like it is taming the fired-up fanbase.
“They hired a guy can’t even make ncaa tournament at wvu,” wrote a user on X.
The post Indiana Community in Dismay as Calls Mount Against Mike Woodson’s Replacement appeared first on EssentiallySports.
