On Tuesday, Indiana University officially announced the return of Kenny Johnson to its men’s basketball coaching staff, marking a significant move in the program’s ongoing transformation under new head coach Darian DeVries. Johnson, who previously served as an assistant coach at Indiana from 2012 to 2014, rejoins the Hoosiers with a reputation as a top-tier recruiter and talent developer.
During his initial tenure under head coach Tom Crean, Johnson played a pivotal role in assembling two top-20 recruiting classes, including a top-five class in 2013. He was instrumental in bringing in standout players such as Noah Vonleh, Troy Williams, and Robert Johnson, contributing to Indiana’s Big Ten regular-season title and a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament in 2013 .
Following his departure from Indiana, Johnson held assistant coaching positions at several institutions, including Louisville, La Salle, Rhode Island, and most recently, Georgetown. While at Louisville, he was part of a staff that achieved significant success but also faced challenges, including involvement in an NCAA investigation that led to his dismissal in 2017 . Despite these setbacks, Johnson continued his coaching career, demonstrating resilience and a commitment to the sport.
Johnson’s return to Indiana is seen as a strategic move by Coach DeVries to bolster the program’s recruiting capabilities, particularly in the talent-rich DMV (D.C., Maryland, Virginia) area. His extensive network and experience in this region are expected to enhance Indiana’s ability to attract top-tier talent, as evidenced by the immediate emergence of three DMV prospects on the Hoosiers’ radar following his hiring .
In addition to his recruiting prowess, Johnson is recognized for his ability to develop players who succeed at the professional level. Throughout his career, he has coached numerous NBA players, including Victor Oladipo, Cody Zeller, and Donovan Mitchell . His return to Indiana is anticipated to have a positive impact on player development within the program.
Johnson joins a restructured coaching staff that includes assistants Nick Norton and Drew Adams, both of whom bring their own strengths and experiences to the team. Together, this coaching ensemble aims to revitalize Indiana basketball, focusing on strategic recruitment and player development to restore the program’s competitive edge in the Big Ten Conference.
As the Hoosiers prepare for the upcoming season, Johnson’s return symbolizes a blend of tradition and forward-thinking strategy. His familiarity with the program’s history, combined with his extensive coaching experience, positions him as a valuable asset in Indiana’s pursuit of basketball excellence.
