Greg McDermott Emerges as Top Candidate for Indiana Basketball Job

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — Indiana University is in search of a new men’s basketball coach following Mike Woodson‘s announcement of his retirement at the conclusion of the 2024-25 season. Creighton head coach Greg McDermott is currently the betting favorite to take the position, according to odds released Thursday by BetOnline.

McDermott boasts an impressive 347-169 record over 15 seasons with the Blue Jays, leading his team to the NCAA Tournament nine times. The search for a new coach comes at a crucial moment for Indiana, which is aiming to bolster its performance in the competitive Big Ten Conference.

As of Thursday afternoon, BetOnline’s odds for the next IU head coach are as follows: Greg McDermott (1/2), Ben McCollum (7/2), Grant McCasland (7/1), Will Wade (7/1), and several others. This showcases a blend of high-major and mid-major coaching talent as potential replacements for Woodson.

Woodson’s retirement marks a significant transition for Indiana basketball. Reflecting on his time, Woodson expressed mixed feelings after the Hoosiers’ Senior Day victory over Ohio State. “Maybe I’m leaving too soon. I don’t know,” he said. “This brings back old memories. My last game on this floor [as a player] was against Ohio State for the Big Ten title back in 1980.”

Indiana has recently experienced both ups and downs in their program. After a rocky start in the season, the Hoosiers have rallied to secure their spot in the NCAA Tournament. Their record now stands at 19-12 overall and 10-10 in the Big Ten.

Among the names mentioned, Ben McCollum from Drake garnered attention as another viable option. Before securing his current role, he led Northwest Missouri State to three national championships, proving his ability to develop competitive teams. Meanwhile, Grant McCasland from North Texas and Will Wade of McNeese State are also in the conversation, although Wade’s past legal troubles during his time at LSU could complicate his candidacy.

Dynamics around the coaching search not only hinge on past performance but also on the implications of NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) rules which allow athletes to receive payments for their endorsements. Indiana’s strong NIL resources put it in a favorable position to attract high-caliber candidates.

Additionally, Indiana may wish to explore McDermott’s successful coaching career as a worthy consideration, especially as they plan to build a program capable of competing at a national level. With the recent trend of major programs hiring leaders from mid-major schools successfully, Indiana likely faces crucial hiring decisions that will impact its future.

The timing of Indiana’s coaching hire will likely align with the NCAA Tournament schedule, as they consider the influences of recent hiring trends seen in schools like Kentucky and Louisville. With several other top college basketball programs also exploring coaching changes, including Utah and Florida State, the pressure is high for Indiana to make a strategic and informed choice.