BLOOMINGTON — Discussions have taken place regarding the long-term future of Indiana men’s basketball coach Mike Woodson, with retirement at the end of the current season a possibility, IndyStar confirmed Thursday.
There are a variety of scenarios that might unfold, with an interlacing series of financial, cultural and political factors in play.
Depending upon the outcome of those discussions, Woodson — were he to decide to step away after the season ends — could still be in line to receive a substantial retirement package from his alma mater.
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He retains support both within Indiana’s administrative and donor classes that would make termination a more delicate and difficult proposition. But with the Hoosiers slumping away from the NCAA tournament picture this winter, after missing the field in 2024, calls for change are escalating within a frustrated and discontented fan base.
Woodson’s buyout stands at $8.4 million if he is terminated without cause after this season. That number would likely be a sort of starting point in such discussions, as would the terms of any such payment. Woodson’s contract currently allows for IU to spread his payments over annual $1 million lump sums.
But that payment comes at the discretion of the university, meaning Indiana could also elect to offer larger, more immediate payments. That could appeal to an athletic department working to clear space in its budget for a considerable revenue-sharing hole, currently $20.5 million, beginning next fiscal year.
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Whatever the details, Thursday’s develops cast doubt over the likelihood Woodson will coach Indiana beyond this season. He has been in charge at his alma mater — where Woodson carved out a career as one of IU’s best-ever players from 1976-80 under legendary coach Bob Knight — for the last three-plus years.
This story will be updated.
Follow IndyStar reporter Zach Osterman on Twitter: @ZachOsterman.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Discussion had about coach Mike Woodson’s future with Indiana basketball
