With Mike Woodson officially agreeing to leave Indiana, the Hoosiers are now searching for their next head coach. The program, rich in basketball tradition, is expected to pursue a high-profile candidate who can restore Indiana to national prominence.
Several names have already emerged as potential successors. Among them is Dusty May, the current head coach of Michigan, who previously led Florida Atlantic to the Final Four. A native of Indiana, May has strong ties to the state and could be a natural fit for the Hoosiers.
Another intriguing candidate is Nate Oats, the Alabama head coach known for his high-powered offense. Oats has turned Alabama into a national contender, and his ability to develop talent could be appealing to Indiana’s administration.
Former NBA coach and Indiana legend Steve Alford is another name in the mix. Currently coaching at Nevada, Alford’s deep ties to the Hoosiers as a former player make him an attractive option, although his coaching track record has been inconsistent at the highest levels.
A wildcard possibility is Brad Stevens, the former Butler coach and current Boston Celtics executive. Stevens has long been rumored as a dream hire for Indiana, but it remains uncertain if he would leave the NBA for a return to college basketball.
Indiana athletic director Scott Dolson has emphasized that the search will be thorough, prioritizing a coach who can recruit at a high level and bring sustained success. With the college basketball landscape constantly evolving, the next hire will be crucial for Indiana’s future.
As the coaching search unfolds, Hoosier fans eagerly await the decision that could define the next era of Indiana basketball.