INDIANAPOLIS - Mike Woodson will be Indiana University's next head men's basketball coach.
Former Butler and Ohio State head coach Thad Matta will be the associate athletic director for basketball administration.
CBS4's JoJo Gentry confirmed the news before the university's announcement Sunday afternoon.
IU Athletics Director Scott Dolson said in a release he was looking for someone who could revive the program.
“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," Dolson said. "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.”
According to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, Woodson is finalizing a six-year contract.
After college, Woodson entered the pros as the No. 12 overall pick in the 1980 NBA Draft, selected by the New York Knicks. Over 11 seasons, Woodson played in 786 games and averaged 14 points per game.
When his playing career was over, Woodson eventually became an NBA assistant coach from 1996-2004, then was named head coach of the Atlanta Hawks in 2004. After five seasons in Atlanta, Woodson went back to the Knicks to coach as an assistant for one season and as a head coach for three seasons (2012-2014). He was fired in 2014, and Woodson proceeded to join the Los Angeles Clippers as an assistant from 2014-2018. He left L.A. in May of 2018, and after two seasons away from coaching in the NBA, he joined the Knicks as an assistant in September of 2020.
“We know it is a very special opportunity for Mike to return to his alma mater as head coach and wish him the very best," New York Knicks president Leon Rose said in a statement. "Woody had a great impact on our team's play and culture this season and he will be missed.”
Woodson starred at Broad Ripple High School before his college days and was named an Indiana All Star, leading the team with 26 points in a 96-88 win over the Kentucky All Stars in 1976.