Greg McDermott Favored for Indiana Men’s Basketball Coaching Job

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — Amidst the search for a new men’s basketball coach, Indiana University now tilts towards longtime Creighton head coach Greg McDermott as the front-runner for the position. McDermott’s impressive 15-season tenure includes an overall record of 347-169 and nine NCAA Tournament appearances.

Mike Woodson, the current head coach, announced his retirement earlier this season, prompting Indiana’s athletic department to explore potential replacements. BetOnline revealed McDermott as the leading candidate with 1/2 odds, followed by Ben McCollum of Drake at 7/2.

As the Hoosiers’ coaching search develops, potential candidates being considered include Grant McCasland (7/1), Will Wade (7/1), and several others with varying odds. The selection process may prove particularly crucial for Indiana, especially after the unsuccessful stint of former coach Archie Miller.

McDermott has consistently demonstrated his ability to lead successful teams, evidenced by his achievements at Creighton. “When you look at his track record, it speaks for itself,” a source said. “He has the experience and the ability to compete at a high level.”

Additionally, the coaching search could involve looking beyond high-major programs, as seen with successful hires elsewhere in college basketball. For example, prominent colleges like Kentucky, Louisville and Michigan recently opted to hire coaches from mid-major backgrounds, suggesting a trend in favor of less conventional choices.

Another candidate, Will Wade, currently coaching at McNeese State, has led his team to notable success and could be a strong contender. Under Wade, McNeese has secured two Southland Conference titles, boasting a solid 47-8 record over the last two seasons. “Our goal is to continue building on this momentum,” Wade stated as his team prepares for a forthcoming championship opportunity.

While Indiana may consider Wade, they will likely scrutinize his past, including previous suspensions and allegations from his time at LSU, where Wade faced scrutiny for alleged recruiting violations. The Hoosiers are cautious about hiring someone with a troubled recruitment record, as the program is still healing from the fallout of Kelvin Sampson‘s tenure.

“We want someone who can lead us without distractions,” said a member of Indiana’s athletic department. “Experience is key, but integrity matters just as much.”

As the school navigates this sensitive process, the Hoosiers enjoy the benefit of strong NIL resources, which positions them favorably within the competitive Big Ten landscape for attracting top-tier talent. The exact timing of hiring a new coach will also depend on the ongoing NCAA Tournament, as many candidates will be involved in the postseason.

Although Greg McDermott stands as the favorite at this point, Indiana will continue to evaluate a range of candidates as the search unfolds, including those from mid-major programs who may prove to be diamond-in-the-rough selections.