If Indiana University’s men’s basketball coach Mike Woodson were to leave for the NBA’s Utah Jazz, the Hoosiers would find themselves in a crucial position. Woodson has revitalized the program since his return to IU, leading them back to national prominence. However, any speculation about his potential departure has naturally prompted a discussion on who could take over the prestigious program. Here are five potential candidates who could fill the void:
1. Chris Beard (Ole Miss)
Chris Beard, currently at Ole Miss, would be a top contender. Beard made his name at Texas Tech, leading the Red Raiders to the national championship game in 2019. His defensive-minded approach and ability to recruit at a high level would fit perfectly with IU’s tradition of tough, defensive basketball. While some may question his off-the-court controversies, there’s no doubt about his basketball acumen. His success at multiple schools, including a turnaround at Ole Miss, demonstrates his adaptability and resilience. Beard has proven he can win at high-pressure programs, and a move to IU could elevate him to one of the most respected coaches in college basketball.
2. Brad Stevens (Boston Celtics)
Brad Stevens is a name that comes up whenever a high-profile coaching position opens up. The former Butler coach is currently with the Boston Celtics, but after a somewhat underwhelming stint as the Celtics’ head coach, rumors of a return to college basketball persist. Stevens has deep ties to Indiana, where he became a household name during his tenure at Butler. His ability to develop players, both on the offensive and defensive ends, and his calm, analytical approach would make him a perfect fit for Indiana. The Hoosiers could benefit from Stevens’ tactical brilliance and his recruiting prowess, especially if he decides to return to his roots. The challenge for IU would be whether Stevens would want to leave the NBA for college once again.
3. Nate Oats (Alabama)
Nate Oats is another coach who has skyrocketed through the ranks in recent years. After taking Buffalo to the NCAA Tournament and then reviving Alabama’s program, Oats has proven he can build a competitive team from the ground up. His up-tempo style of play and emphasis on shooting align with modern college basketball trends, which would give IU a more dynamic, modern identity. The only downside could be Oats’ limited connection to the Big Ten and the traditional values that come with IU’s storied basketball program. Still, his proven ability to win in tough conferences could be enough to make him an appealing choice.
4. Shaka Smart (Marquette)
Shaka Smart, currently the head coach at Marquette, has built a solid reputation in college basketball, particularly known for his “Havoc” defensive system that transformed VCU into a powerhouse. After a mixed tenure at Texas, Smart has revitalized his career at Marquette, where he’s returned the Golden Eagles to relevance. His ability to instill a fierce defensive mindset and his knack for developing unheralded recruits would make him a strong candidate. His connection to the Big Ten as a former assistant at Michigan could make him an easy transition to the IU program, and his intensity could resonate with the Hoosier fanbase.
5. Scott Drew (Baylor)
Scott Drew, one of the most successful college basketball coaches in recent years, would be a surprising but intriguing option. After transforming Baylor into a national powerhouse, winning the national championship in 2021, Drew has established himself as one of the game’s elite coaches. His ability to recruit top talent and build a team that plays both physical and intelligent basketball could make him an ideal candidate for IU. However, it’s worth considering if Drew would leave a program where he has achieved so much success. Still, if he were to take on the challenge of returning to the Big Ten, Drew could quickly turn the Hoosiers back into title contenders.
Conclusion:
While Mike Woodson has certainly revitalized Indiana basketball, the specter of him leaving for the NBA creates an opening that requires a top-tier replacement. Coaches like Beard, Stevens, Oats, Smart, and Drew all bring a unique blend of experience, skill, and vision to the table. Whoever Indiana selects will need to navigate the pressures of succeeding in a demanding environment with a storied history, but these five candidates have the necessary tools to continue the Hoosiers’ legacy. The choice would ultimately define the program for years to come.
