Indiana hires Mike Woodson as head coach; Thad Matta also joining program

Indiana has hired for Hoosier Mike Woodson as its next head men’s basketball coach. Woodson has spent his coaching career in the NBA, including stints as the head coach of the Atlanta Hawks (2004-10) and New York Knicks (2012-14).

“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,” AD Scott Dolson said. “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.”

This will be the first collegiate coaching job of any kind for Woodson, an Indianapolis-native who played for Bob Knight from 1976-80 and was part of the Hoosiers team that won the 1979 NIT title.

Sunday’s press release also announced the hiring of Thad Matta to the newly-created title of Associate Athletic Director for Basketball Administration. Matta has is a college coaching veteran who stepped away from his role at Ohio State back in 2017 citing health concerns. He will not be an active coach for the Hoosiers but figures to be very involved with the program.

credit to Indiana Athletics for the image