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Will Indiana regret keeping HC Mike Woodson?
Indiana Hoosiers head coach Mike Woodson. Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Will Indiana regret keeping HC Mike Woodson?

Despite an underwhelming season, the Indiana Hoosiers aren't making a major change to their coaching staff.

Jeff Borzello of ESPN reported Mike Woodson will return as Indiana's head coach for the 2024-25 season. Unless the Hoosiers win the Big Ten Tournament in Minneapolis next week, it's safe to assume they'll miss out on March Madness.

Indiana (17-13) is eighth in the conference. In his latest bracket, ESPN's Joe Lunardi left the Hoosiers out of the NCAA Tournament.

David Cobb of CBS Sports noted that the school is paying a $15.5M buyout for recently fired football HC Tom Allen. Woodson's buyout would've exceeded $12M, probably contributing to the decision.

Still, there are better options. Florida Atlantic HC and Indiana alum Dusty May led the Owls to their first Final Four appearance in school history last season. Per Adam Jardy of The Columbus Dispatch, Ohio State recently met with the 47-year-old to discuss its job opening.

Woodson, meanwhile, has made the tournament twice in four seasons at Indiana, but he has yet to advance past the second round.

Another concern is the team's inability to shoot from deep. According to Cobb, Woodson's teams have ranked 311th or worse in made three-pointers per game. This season, Indiana is 348th in this category, the worst mark of his tenure.

The 65-year-old could still turn things around. Woodson — who starred for former Hoosiers HC and Hall of Famer Bob Knight from 1976-80 — played in the NBA for 11 seasons and has 25 years of coaching experience.

However, Woodson's alma mater must make significant strides next season. Otherwise, expect his seat to get a little hotter.

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