BREAKING NEWS: Mike Woodson to Step Down as Indiana Hoosiers Head Coach After 2024–25 Season
Bloomington, IN – February 7, 2025
Indiana University men’s basketball head coach Mike Woodson has announced he will step down at the conclusion of the 2024–25 season, bringing an end to his four-year tenure in Bloomington. The decision was confirmed by Indiana Athletics Director Scott Dolson, who stated that Woodson had expressed his intention to resign during a meeting earlier this week. Dolson acknowledged the emotional nature of the decision and emphasized Woodson’s dedication to the program .(WLKY, CBSSports.com)
Woodson, 66, returned to Indiana in 2021 after a distinguished NBA career, including head coaching stints with the Atlanta Hawks and New York Knicks. As a player under legendary coach Bob Knight from 1976 to 1980, he was a two-time All-American and remains a beloved figure in Hoosier history. His hiring was seen as a homecoming and a potential catalyst for revitalizing the storied program .(Indiana University Student Television)
In his first two seasons, Woodson led Indiana back to the NCAA Tournament, marking the program’s first appearances since 2016. However, the past two seasons have been marked by underperformance. The Hoosiers finished with a 19–14 record in 2023–24 and are currently 14–9 this season, with a 5–7 record in Big Ten play. Despite significant investments in the transfer portal and NIL initiatives, the team has struggled to meet expectations .(Indiana University Student Television, WLKY, CBSSports.com)
Woodson’s resignation comes amid increasing scrutiny and criticism from fans and media. Notably, star player Oumar Ballo publicly addressed the toxic behavior of some Indiana fans, including receiving death threats and hostile interactions on social media. This highlights the unrealistic expectations and pressure exerted by fans and boosters, who still cling to the program’s glory days .(SBNation.com)
Looking ahead, Indiana has already initiated the search for a new head coach. On March 18, 2025, the university announced the hiring of Darian DeVries, former head coach at West Virginia, as the new head coach of the Hoosiers. DeVries brings a wealth of experience, including a successful tenure at Drake University, and is expected to lead the program into a new era .(en.wikipedia.org, Reuters)
As the season progresses, the Hoosiers will look to finish strong and build momentum for the future under new leadership. The program’s next game is scheduled for Saturday, March 1, 2025, against the Washington Huskies at the Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall in Bloomington.(en.wikipedia.org)