Seasons Change: Mike Woodson stepping down at the conclusion of season

BLOOMINGTON, Ind - Indiana’s head coach Mike Woodson is stepping down, Hoosiers Athletic Director Scott Dolson said Friday. Amid the request of reasoning, Woodson has declined to address his departure, following a tough loss at home against No. 22 Michigian. 

After a disappointing season backed by the transfer portal, Woodson plans to leave the Hoosiers without the promised success of the new NIL landscape as his legacy. Back in August, the new and improved Hoosiers were projected to gain momentum, as the team was ranked in 14th in the AP Poll back in November. 

But instead of having success, the Hoosiers have struggled all season mixing in transfer portal players, like Omar Ballo and Myles Rice, with returning players like Mackenzie Mgbako and Anthony Leal from last season.

In regards to the lack of progress on the court, Woodson has no explanation on the struggles.

“I wish I knew. As the coach, your roster is changing every year, and that's no excuse.” Woodson said. “And you think you're putting the right pieces in play. And I think our guys got wonderful intentions, man, and they do want to win. But it hasn't worked the last three, four weeks for our ball club.” 

Photo by Kaitlyn Grifonetti/Indiana Athletics

The lack of chemistry, defensive lapses, and inconsistency on offense have plagued Indiana throughout the season. The Hoosiers have struggled in key matchups, often failing to close out winnable games by a small margin of points. Their inability to adapt to high-pressure moments has raised questions about the program’s development under Woodson, despite his NBA pedigree and initial promise when he took over in 2021.

Indiana’s track record for coaches has not been without flaws. Woodson being the Hoosiers third coach in nine years raises concern for the state of IU basketball, as many fans believe the team must let go of fallacy that a perfect coach was a part of the Bob Knight era. Hoosier fans are hopeful for a clean slate, a coach who can redirect the downfall of the storied basketball program.

Woodson does have the opportunity to go out with a proper celebration - that is if the Hoosiers are granted a miracle over their upcoming quadrant one and two opponents, and a perfect big 10 tournament run that can lead them into a successful March.