Mike Woodson issues first public statement since his Indiana departure
Former Indiana basketball head coach Mike Woodson has issued his first public statement following his departure from the program.
While Indiana announced Woodson would step down at the conclusion of the 2024-25 season, the former player from 1976-1980 and coach from 2021-25 declined to comment publicly at that time. Director of Athletics Scott Dolson wrote in the release on February 7 that “at an appropriate time, Coach Woodson will articulate his feelings about his decision and his experiences these last four years.”
It appears that Friday was the appropriate time, as Woodson released a statement on social media just two days following reports that he had accepted a position with the Sacramento Kings organization.
His statement, posted on X, reads as follows:
“Coming home to lead Indiana Men’s Basketball was an honor. It was a great opportunity to represent the program that helped shape my college career, and I’m deeply grateful for the full-circle journey back to Indiana.
“Thank you to the fans for your support through the ups and downs, my players, my dedicated coaching staff, team managers, the IU professors who guided our young men off the court, the medical staff and trainers who kept us healthy, and the strength coaches who challenged us daily. To my wife, Terri, and our daughters, Marian and Alexis, your love and support have made this journey worthwhile. To my family and friends, thank you for giving me strength to continue building my vision while staying grounded.
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“Coming back to my Alma Mater to coach brought me fulfillment. I’m proud to watch the young men I’ve coached transition into gentlemen on and off the court. I want them to know how proud I am of them. Our journeys will continue, and I’ll always be here for them.”
SEE MORE: Mike Woodson’s coaching tenure is over, but his Indiana legacy remains
As mentioned, this statement comes after reports circulated that Woodson accepted a position as the Sacramento Kings’ associate head coach. This brings Woodson back to the NBA, where he coached from 1996 to 2021 following an 11 year NBA playing career.
The move back to the professional ranks returns Woodson to more familiar territory, as he was a well-respected and connected coach in the association before he accepted his first collegiate position when he became the Indiana head coach.
With the statement released from Woodson, he and Indiana fans can finally close the book on his tenure, as the former coach and player expressed his gratitude, while he awaits his new chapter in Sacramento.
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