INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana has hired former star player and longtime NBA coach Mike Woodson as its new head coach.
IU confirmed the reports in a tweet.
Welcome home, Coach Woodson. pic.twitter.com/jrIeKcYawR
— Indiana Basketball (@IndianaMBB) March 28, 2021
Woodson has spent 22 of the last 23 seasons coaching in the NBA, including stints as the head coach of the Atlanta Hawks and New York Knicks.
IU Vice President and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Scott Dolson released the following statement:
This is a great day and a great fit for Indiana Basketball. Throughout this process, I was looking for someone I could partner with to return Indiana Basketball to a level of success that Hoosier fans have come to know and expect, and Mike is that person.
During the last two weeks, I have spoken with numerous individuals at the college and NBA levels, and they were unanimous in their support of and respect for Mike. From his ability in terms of X's and O's to his skill at building relationships and developing players, his reputation is outstanding. As a coach, he's succeeded at the highest levels of the NBA, and he's mentored some of the game's all-time great players. On top of all of that, as one of our program's legendary players, Mike certainly gives us a bridge to our past. But more important than what he did as a former Hoosier player, he's someone who shares my vision for what Indiana Basketball is about, and I'm thrilled about what this day means for our program.
IU also announced it's picked former Ohio State Coach Thad Matta to fill the newly created role of associate athletic director for basketball administration.
The announcement comes after IU fired Archie Miller earlier this month after four seasons. The Hoosiers failed to advance to the NCAA tournament during those four seasons.
Woodson has never coached at the college level, but played for Bob Knight.
He finished his college career as Indiana's second 2,000-point score.
Woodson played at and graduated from Broad Ripple High School.
