Looking at there message board it looks like they have moved on from Chris Beard. Most are talking Buzz Williams, Mick Cronin, or even the Drake head coach.
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Apr 17, 2022; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics President of Basketball Operations Brad Stevens on the court sideline before the start of the first round against the Boston Celtics for the 2022 NBA playoffs at TD Garden. (Photo by © David Butler II-Imagn Images)
These are the dream candidates—coaches who could instantly energize the program, elevate recruiting, and put Indiana back in the national spotlight. Landing one of these names would be a defining moment for Indiana basketball, signaling a return to the elite tier of college hoops. However, prying them away from their current situations won’t be easy. Whether it’s an NBA executive, a long-tenured program builder, or a coach sitting comfortably atop a powerhouse, these are the big swings—if Indiana can connect, it could change the trajectory of the program for years to come.
Brad Stevens
- Current Position: Boston Celtics' President of Basketball Operations (NBA)
- Age: 48
- D1 Career Record: 166-49 (6 years)
- Buyout: None (No buyout for a non-college coach)
Stevens is the ultimate dream hire for Indiana—a Hoosier native with a brilliant basketball mind who took Butler to two national championship games and found success in the NBA with the Boston Celtics. His ability to develop players, run a disciplined system, and handle high expectations would make him an ideal fit to bring Indiana back to national relevance. While he’s comfortably running the Celtics’ front office, the allure of coming home to restore Indiana’s prestige could be tempting. If he ever gets the itch to return to coaching, leading the Hoosiers—one of the sport’s most storied programs—might be the perfect challenge. That said, prying him away from Boston would likely be an uphill battle.
*Per a Feb. 14 report from Jeff Goodman, Brad Stevens is not a candidate for the Indiana job*
Scott Drew
- Current Position: Baylor head coach
- Age: 54
- D1 Career Record: 481-263 (23 years)
- Buyout: $4.5 million
Drew took a Baylor program in shambles and built it into a national champion. His ability to recruit, develop talent, and maintain sustained success in the ultra-competitive Big 12 would be a huge asset for Indiana. Plus, he’s an Indiana native and Butler grad, making him a natural cultural fit. Drew may be intrigued by the Indiana job due to his deep connections to the state and the chance to lead a program boasting the NIL resources that Indiana has. While he has resisted past overtures from other high-profile schools, Indiana could at least make him consider a homecoming. He’s turned down major jobs before, but Indiana is different—it’s home. If he ever wanted to make a move, a chance to win big at a historic program in his home state could be the one thing that pulls him away from Waco. However, he has been loyal to Baylor for over 20 years, and there's no clear indication he’s looking to leave.
Nate Oats
- Current Position: Alabama head coach
- Age: 50
- D1 Career Record: 232-100 (10 years)
- Buyout: $18 million
Oats has turned Alabama into one of the most exciting programs in college basketball with his up-tempo, analytics-driven approach. He recruits at a high level and has proven he can win—with a recent trip to the Final Four—even in a football-first school. His aggressive style could modernize Indiana's offense. Indiana’s tradition, fanbase, and resources could give him an even bigger platform than what he has at Alabama, where football will always come first. However, Alabama has invested heavily in him, and he’s built something strong in Tuscaloosa, so leaving wouldn't be an easy decision.
Auburn head coach Bruce Pearl celebrates their victory against Vanderbilt at Memorial Gym in Nashville, Tenn., Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025. (Photo by © Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
Each of these coaches has a track record of success but comes with some level of controversy, whether it’s off-court issues, NCAA violations, or concerns about age and longevity. Indiana would be taking a gamble on any of them, but the potential payoff could be huge if the right fit is found.
Bruce Pearl
- Current Position: Auburn head coach
- Age: 64
- D1 Career Record: 462-219 (21 years)
- Buyout: Unknown
Pearl is a high-energy coach and elite recruiter who has turned Auburn into a national power, taking the Tigers to their first-ever Final Four. His ability to energize a program and develop talent could be exactly what Indiana needs. While he’s built something strong at Auburn, Indiana’s prestige and championship past could be an enticing opportunity. The chance to take a Indiana back to national relevance might be a legacy move for Pearl. The issue is that at 64, is he the long-term answer? He also has NCAA baggage from his time at Tennessee, and Auburn has treated him like royalty—would he really leave?
Rick Pitino
- Current Position: St. John's head coach
- Age: 72
- D1 Career Record: 750-306 (37 years)
- Buyout: Believed to be around $13 million
Simply put, Pitino is one of the greatest coaches in the history of the sport. His ability to recruit, develop talent, and outcoach opponents is legendary, and he’s already proving he still has it at St. John’s. Indiana is one of the few programs big enough to potentially tempt him at this stage of his career. He’s always thrived in high-pressure environments, and Indiana's history could appeal to his competitive nature. However, he's 72. While he could win immediately, he wouldn’t be a long-term solution. Plus, his past scandals—most notably at Louisville—would make this a tough sell for Indiana’s administration.
Chris Beard
- Current Position: Ole Miss head coach
- Age: 51
- D1 Career Record: 208-91 (10 years)
- Buyout: $3.25 million
Beard is an elite program builder who took Texas Tech to a national title game and has quickly transformed Ole Miss. His teams are known for toughness, defense, and winning—qualities that align with Indiana’s tradition. His connection to Bob Knight also makes him a sentimental fit. Indiana is one of the biggest jobs in college basketball, offering more resources and recruiting pull than any program he’s led. Given his admiration for Knight, he may jump at the chance to restore Indiana to national prominence. However, Beard was fired from Texas after a domestic violence arrest (with charges later dismissed). That baggage could make Indiana hesitant, especially if they have other options.
Chris Jans
- Current Position: Mississippi State head coach
- Age: 55
- D1 Career Record: 201-77
- Current Salary: $4.2 million
- Buyout: Unknown (contract runs through '27-28)
Jans has built a strong coaching résumé, consistently winning and taking Mississippi State to back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances. His teams are disciplined, tough, and play hard-nosed defense. While Mississippi State is a solid program, Indiana offers a much bigger stage and more resources. If he wants to take the next step, Indiana may be his shot. However, his dismissal from Bowling Green in 2015 for off-court behavior could be a red flag for the Hoosiers. Also, his teams have struggled with three-point shooting—something that has plagued Indiana in recent years.
Will Wade
- Current Position: McNeese State head coach
- Age: 42
- D1 Career Record: 234-103 (11 years)
- Buyout: $1 million
Wade is a proven recruiter and program builder, having turned LSU into a consistent NCAA Tournament team in his past. He’s young (42) and could bring an energetic approach to Indiana. A chance to coach at Indiana would be a massive jump from McNeese State. If he’s looking to get back to the high-major level, Indiana could be a dream opportunity. His history of NCAA violations at LSU, including a show-cause penalty, makes him an extremely risky hire. Indiana likely won’t want to invite that level of scrutiny.
Michigan coach Dusty May during the Indiana vs. Michigan game at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall on Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by © Rich Janzaruk/Herald-Times / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
Each of these coaches has a solid résumé and could be a good fit at Indiana, but factors like buyouts, long-term viability, or overall excitement from the fanbase may prevent them from being home run hires. Most of them would be considered fallback options—outside of Dusty May.
Dusty May
- Current Position: Michigan head coach
- Age: 48
- D1 Career Record: 143-74 (7 years)
- Current Salary: $3.625 million
- Buyout: $5 million before April 1, $4 million after April 1
May is an Indiana native, a former IU student manager, and a rising star in coaching. His Final Four run at Florida Atlantic and strong first season at Michigan prove he can win at a high level. He’s a smart, modern coach who could bring stability and long-term success to Indiana. If Indiana truly is his dream job, now is the time. His buyout is manageable, and leaving Michigan after one year wouldn’t be shocking if he had Indiana in mind all along. May could be considered a "home run hire" to many, however his lack of extensive power conference experience puts him at the top of this tier.
T.J. Otzelberger
- Current Position: Iowa State head coach
- Age: 47
- D1 Career Record: 186-100 (9 years)
- Current Salary $3.5 million
- Buyout: Believed to be $10+ million
Otzelberger has quickly turned Iowa State into a consistent Big 12 contender, showcasing his ability to build a competitive program.The Indiana job is simply bigger than Iowa State in every way—history, resources, and recruiting reach. If he wants to prove himself at the highest level, IU would be an incredible opportunity. However, he’s built a solid foundation at Iowa State and has established a comfortable situation. Would he be willing to leave a place where he’s thriving for the pressures and expectations of a program like Indiana?
Mick Cronin
- Current Position: UCLA head coach
- Age: 53
- D1 Career Record: 497-230 (21 years)
- Current Salary: $4.1 million
- Buyout: $10 million after March 31 ($16 million before March 31)
A hard-nosed coach who took UCLA to a Final Four and multiple Sweet 16s, Cronin’s teams defend well and play with grit. A Cincinnati native, he may fit better in the Midwest than at UCLA, where there has been recent unrest about his leadership. UCLA has struggled recently, and Cronin has been publicly criticized for his handling of players. Is he still a top-tier candidate?
Grant McCasland
- Current Position: Texas Tech head coach
- Age: 48
- D1 Career Record: 196-92 (9 years)
- Current Salary: $4.98 million
- Buyout: $8.4 million
McCasland has quickly turned Texas Tech into a Big 12 contender and is considered one of the most promising coaches in the country. His success at North Texas, including an NIT title with 31 wins in 2023, demonstrates his ability to build competitive programs. Indiana is a much higher-profile job than Texas Tech, with better recruiting resources. However, McCasland has deep ties to Texas, where he and his family have roots, which may make it tough to pry him away from Lubbock.
Brad Brownell
- Current Position: Clemson head coach
- Age: 56
- D1 Career Record: 449-279 (23 years)
- Current Salary: $3.75 million
- Buyout: Reportedly in the $10-12 million range
A Hoosier native who was an Evansville Harrison HS teammate of IU legend Calbert Cheaney and he played at DePauw. With Midwest ties and a recent Elite Eight run at Clemson, Brownell is a steady, proven coach with experience in a power conference. He has spent 15 years at Clemson with mixed success. Indiana offers a higher ceiling and better recruiting potential, but Brownell has made seven NCAA tournament appearances in 22 years. His overall record is solid but lacks major championship-level success.
Buzz Williams
- Current Position: Texas A&M head coach
- Age: 52
- D1 Career Record: 367-222 (18 years)
- Current Salary: $4.5 million
- Buyout: Unknown
Williams has shown a remarkable ability to turn around struggling programs, having led Virginia Tech and now Texas A&M to the NCAA tournament. He’s built teams with a tough, defensive-minded approach. Indiana offers a huge opportunity for Williams to coach at a high-profile program, providing the resources and platform for success. However, his teams have sometimes struggled offensively, and his average conference finish is around sixth. It’s unclear if his coaching style would translate to the heightened expectations at Indiana.
Gregg McDermott
- Current Position: Creighton head coach
- Age: 60
- D1 Career Record: 618-361 (31 years)
- Buyout: Unknown
McDermott has turned Creighton into a perennial contender, consistently competing at a high level in the Big East and making deep NCAA Tournament runs. His offensive system is modern, efficient, and player-friendly, which could be a great fit for Indiana’s talent pool. His experience and ability to develop players make him an attractive option. He’s 60 years old, making him more of a short-term option than a long-term program builder. He’s also deeply entrenched at Creighton, where he has a stable and successful situation. Would he want to uproot at this stage of his career? And would Indiana fans view this as a splashy enough hire?
Marquette head coach Shaka Smart is shown during the second half of their game Tuesday, February11, 2025 at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Marquette beat DePaul 68-58. (Photo by © Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
This group consists of intriguing options with varying levels of success at their current programs. Some are rising stars, while others are established names, but each comes with potential obstacles—whether it’s buyout issues, inexperience at a high level, or concerns about long-term fit at Indiana.
Shaka Smart
- Current Position: Marquette head coach
- Age: 47
- D1 Career Record: 365-177 (16 years)
- Buyout: Unknown
Smart has revived his career at Marquette, leading the team to a Big East title and success in the NCAA tournament. With a chance to prove himself at a blueblood program like Indiana, the opportunity could be appealing. However, he has deep ties to his home state of Wisconsin, where he has built a strong foundation at Marquette. Would he be willing to leave a program where he’s established himself for the pressures and expectations of a program like Indiana, especially given his strong connection to his home state?
Todd Golden
- Current Position: Florida head coach
- Age: 39
- D1 Career Record: 116-67 (6 years)
- Current Salary: $14.625 million (As of November, 2024)
- Buyout: 65% of remaining contract through 2030 ($14.625 million today)
A young, analytics-driven coach who has brought energy to Florida. His modern approach to coaching could translate well at a blueblood like Indiana. Indiana’s prestige and resources far exceed what he has at Florida. If he’s looking for a high-profile challenge, this would be a logical step. He’s still relatively inexperienced and unproven at the highest level. On top of that, his buyout makes him an unrealistic candidate.
Mark Byington
- Current Position: Vanderbilt head coach
- Age: 48
- D1 Career Record: 236-141 (13 years)
- Current Salary: Unknown
- Buyout: $1 million
Byington has turned Vanderbilt into an NCAA tournament contender in his first season, following a strong run at James Madison, where he worked with Indiana's football coach Curt Cignetti. Vanderbilt is a tough job with limited basketball history, and Indiana would be a significant step up in resources and prestige. He’s relatively unproven at the high-major level. Would Indiana trust him to take over such a high-pressure job.
Ben McCollum
- Current Position: Drake head coach
- Age: 43
- D1 Career Record: 21-2 (1 year)
- Buyout: Unknown
A Division II coaching legend, McCollum turned Northwest Missouri State into a dynasty, winning four national titles. Now at Drake, he’s kept the program competitive right away. If McCollum seeks a higher-profile challenge, Indiana offers a historic platform to further cement his coaching legacy. His only year at the Division I level has been successful, but taking on a challenge like Indiana would be a significant step up and would require a leap of faith on Indiana's part.
Chris Collins
- Current Position: Northwestern head coach
- Age: 50
- D1 Career Record: 191-184 (12 years)
- Current Salary: (est.) $3.4 million
- Buyout: Unknown (Private school)
Collins led Northwestern to its first-ever NCAA tournament and has made the team a consistent Big Ten competitor in recent years. Indiana is a much bigger job than Northwestern, with greater recruiting resources and a richer history. His overall record is barely above .500, and he’s had multiple losing seasons at Northwestern. Would he be able to handle the expectations at Indiana?
Dennis Gates
- Current Position: Missouri head coach
- Age: 45
- D1 Career Record: 100-79 (6 years)
- Current Salary: $4.1 million
- Buyout: $21.5 million (As of March, 2024)
Gates has one of the more intriguing résumés in this coaching search. He quickly turned Cleveland State into a winner, then impressed in his first year at Missouri with 25 wins and an NCAA Tournament run. Now in his third season, he has the Tigers back in the national mix and competing near the top of the SEC. But his second season in Columbia was a disaster—0-18 in conference play. His best teams have thrived offensively, but the inconsistency raises questions. If you believe in what he did in his first season and what he's doing again in his third season with the Tigers, he’s a rising star. But can Indiana overlook that awful second season at Missouri?
This was posted last Friday
DREAM HIRES
These are the dream candidates—coaches who could instantly energize the program, elevate recruiting, and put Indiana back in the national spotlight. Landing one of these names would be a defining moment for Indiana basketball, signaling a return to the elite tier of college hoops. However, prying them away from their current situations won’t be easy. Whether it’s an NBA executive, a long-tenured program builder, or a coach sitting comfortably atop a powerhouse, these are the big swings—if Indiana can connect, it could change the trajectory of the program for years to come.
Brad Stevens
- Current Position: Boston Celtics' President of Basketball Operations (NBA)
- Age: 48
- D1 Career Record: 166-49 (6 years)
- Buyout: None (No buyout for a non-college coach)
Stevens is the ultimate dream hire for Indiana—a Hoosier native with a brilliant basketball mind who took Butler to two national championship games and found success in the NBA with the Boston Celtics. His ability to develop players, run a disciplined system, and handle high expectations would make him an ideal fit to bring Indiana back to national relevance. While he’s comfortably running the Celtics’ front office, the allure of coming home to restore Indiana’s prestige could be tempting. If he ever gets the itch to return to coaching, leading the Hoosiers—one of the sport’s most storied programs—might be the perfect challenge. That said, prying him away from Boston would likely be an uphill battle.
*Per a Feb. 14 report from Jeff Goodman, Brad Stevens is not a candidate for the Indiana job*
Scott Drew
- Current Position: Baylor head coach
- Age: 54
- D1 Career Record: 481-263 (23 years)
- Buyout: $4.5 million
Drew took a Baylor program in shambles and built it into a national champion. His ability to recruit, develop talent, and maintain sustained success in the ultra-competitive Big 12 would be a huge asset for Indiana. Plus, he’s an Indiana native and Butler grad, making him a natural cultural fit. Drew may be intrigued by the Indiana job due to his deep connections to the state and the chance to lead a program boasting the NIL resources that Indiana has. While he has resisted past overtures from other high-profile schools, Indiana could at least make him consider a homecoming. He’s turned down major jobs before, but Indiana is different—it’s home. If he ever wanted to make a move, a chance to win big at a historic program in his home state could be the one thing that pulls him away from Waco. However, he has been loyal to Baylor for over 20 years, and there's no clear indication he’s looking to leave.
Nate Oats
- Current Position: Alabama head coach
- Age: 50
- D1 Career Record: 232-100 (10 years)
- Buyout: $18 million
Oats has turned Alabama into one of the most exciting programs in college basketball with his up-tempo, analytics-driven approach. He recruits at a high level and has proven he can win—with a recent trip to the Final Four—even in a football-first school. His aggressive style could modernize Indiana's offense. Indiana’s tradition, fanbase, and resources could give him an even bigger platform than what he has at Alabama, where football will always come first. However, Alabama has invested heavily in him, and he’s built something strong in Tuscaloosa, so leaving wouldn't be an easy decision.
PROVEN WINNERS WITH BAGGAGE
Each of these coaches has a track record of success but comes with some level of controversy, whether it’s off-court issues, NCAA violations, or concerns about age and longevity. Indiana would be taking a gamble on any of them, but the potential payoff could be huge if the right fit is found.
Bruce Pearl
- Current Position: Auburn head coach
- Age: 64
- D1 Career Record: 462-219 (21 years)
- Buyout: Unknown
Pearl is a high-energy coach and elite recruiter who has turned Auburn into a national power, taking the Tigers to their first-ever Final Four. His ability to energize a program and develop talent could be exactly what Indiana needs. While he’s built something strong at Auburn, Indiana’s prestige and championship past could be an enticing opportunity. The chance to take a Indiana back to national relevance might be a legacy move for Pearl. The issue is that at 64, is he the long-term answer? He also has NCAA baggage from his time at Tennessee, and Auburn has treated him like royalty—would he really leave?
Rick Pitino
- Current Position: St. John's head coach
- Age: 72
- D1 Career Record: 750-306 (37 years)
- Buyout: Believed to be around $13 million
Simply put, Pitino is one of the greatest coaches in the history of the sport. His ability to recruit, develop talent, and outcoach opponents is legendary, and he’s already proving he still has it at St. John’s. Indiana is one of the few programs big enough to potentially tempt him at this stage of his career. He’s always thrived in high-pressure environments, and Indiana's history could appeal to his competitive nature. However, he's 72. While he could win immediately, he wouldn’t be a long-term solution. Plus, his past scandals—most notably at Louisville—would make this a tough sell for Indiana’s administration.
Chris Beard
- Current Position: Ole Miss head coach
- Age: 51
- D1 Career Record: 208-91 (10 years)
- Buyout: $3.25 million
Beard is an elite program builder who took Texas Tech to a national title game and has quickly transformed Ole Miss. His teams are known for toughness, defense, and winning—qualities that align with Indiana’s tradition. His connection to Bob Knight also makes him a sentimental fit. Indiana is one of the biggest jobs in college basketball, offering more resources and recruiting pull than any program he’s led. Given his admiration for Knight, he may jump at the chance to restore Indiana to national prominence. However, Beard was fired from Texas after a domestic violence arrest (with charges later dismissed). That baggage could make Indiana hesitant, especially if they have other options.
Chris Jans
- Current Position: Mississippi State head coach
- Age: 55
- D1 Career Record: 201-77
- Current Salary: $4.2 million
- Buyout: Unknown (contract runs through '27-28)
Jans has built a strong coaching résumé, consistently winning and taking Mississippi State to back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances. His teams are disciplined, tough, and play hard-nosed defense. While Mississippi State is a solid program, Indiana offers a much bigger stage and more resources. If he wants to take the next step, Indiana may be his shot. However, his dismissal from Bowling Green in 2015 for off-court behavior could be a red flag for the Hoosiers. Also, his teams have struggled with three-point shooting—something that has plagued Indiana in recent years.
Will Wade
- Current Position: McNeese State head coach
- Age: 42
- D1 Career Record: 234-103 (11 years)
- Buyout: $1 million
Wade is a proven recruiter and program builder, having turned LSU into a consistent NCAA Tournament team in his past. He’s young (42) and could bring an energetic approach to Indiana. A chance to coach at Indiana would be a massive jump from McNeese State. If he’s looking to get back to the high-major level, Indiana could be a dream opportunity. His history of NCAA violations at LSU, including a show-cause penalty, makes him an extremely risky hire. Indiana likely won’t want to invite that level of scrutiny.
REALISTIC BUT NOT FLASHY
Each of these coaches has a solid résumé and could be a good fit at Indiana, but factors like buyouts, long-term viability, or overall excitement from the fanbase may prevent them from being home run hires. Most of them would be considered fallback options—outside of Dusty May.
Dusty May
- Current Position: Michigan head coach
- Age: 48
- D1 Career Record: 143-74 (7 years)
- Current Salary: $3.625 million
- Buyout: $5 million before April 1, $4 million after April 1
May is an Indiana native, a former IU student manager, and a rising star in coaching. His Final Four run at Florida Atlantic and strong first season at Michigan prove he can win at a high level. He’s a smart, modern coach who could bring stability and long-term success to Indiana. If Indiana truly is his dream job, now is the time. His buyout is manageable, and leaving Michigan after one year wouldn’t be shocking if he had Indiana in mind all along. May could be considered a "home run hire" to many, however his lack of extensive power conference experience puts him at the top of this tier.
T.J. Otzelberger
- Current Position: Iowa State head coach
- Age: 47
- D1 Career Record: 186-100 (9 years)
- Current Salary $3.5 million
- Buyout: Believed to be $10+ million
Otzelberger has quickly turned Iowa State into a consistent Big 12 contender, showcasing his ability to build a competitive program.The Indiana job is simply bigger than Iowa State in every way—history, resources, and recruiting reach. If he wants to prove himself at the highest level, IU would be an incredible opportunity. However, he’s built a solid foundation at Iowa State and has established a comfortable situation. Would he be willing to leave a place where he’s thriving for the pressures and expectations of a program like Indiana?
Mick Cronin
- Current Position: UCLA head coach
- Age: 53
- D1 Career Record: 497-230 (21 years)
- Current Salary: $4.1 million
- Buyout: $10 million after March 31 ($16 million before March 31)
A hard-nosed coach who took UCLA to a Final Four and multiple Sweet 16s, Cronin’s teams defend well and play with grit. A Cincinnati native, he may fit better in the Midwest than at UCLA, where there has been recent unrest about his leadership. UCLA has struggled recently, and Cronin has been publicly criticized for his handling of players. Is he still a top-tier candidate?
Grant McCasland
- Current Position: Texas Tech head coach
- Age: 48
- D1 Career Record: 196-92 (9 years)
- Current Salary: $4.98 million
- Buyout: $8.4 million
McCasland has quickly turned Texas Tech into a Big 12 contender and is considered one of the most promising coaches in the country. His success at North Texas, including an NIT title with 31 wins in 2023, demonstrates his ability to build competitive programs. Indiana is a much higher-profile job than Texas Tech, with better recruiting resources. However, McCasland has deep ties to Texas, where he and his family have roots, which may make it tough to pry him away from Lubbock.
Brad Brownell
- Current Position: Clemson head coach
- Age: 56
- D1 Career Record: 449-279 (23 years)
- Current Salary: $3.75 million
- Buyout: Reportedly in the $10-12 million range
A Hoosier native who was an Evansville Harrison HS teammate of IU legend Calbert Cheaney and he played at DePauw. With Midwest ties and a recent Elite Eight run at Clemson, Brownell is a steady, proven coach with experience in a power conference. He has spent 15 years at Clemson with mixed success. Indiana offers a higher ceiling and better recruiting potential, but Brownell has made seven NCAA tournament appearances in 22 years. His overall record is solid but lacks major championship-level success.
Buzz Williams
- Current Position: Texas A&M head coach
- Age: 52
- D1 Career Record: 367-222 (18 years)
- Current Salary: $4.5 million
- Buyout: Unknown
Williams has shown a remarkable ability to turn around struggling programs, having led Virginia Tech and now Texas A&M to the NCAA tournament. He’s built teams with a tough, defensive-minded approach. Indiana offers a huge opportunity for Williams to coach at a high-profile program, providing the resources and platform for success. However, his teams have sometimes struggled offensively, and his average conference finish is around sixth. It’s unclear if his coaching style would translate to the heightened expectations at Indiana.
Gregg McDermott
- Current Position: Creighton head coach
- Age: 60
- D1 Career Record: 618-361 (31 years)
- Buyout: Unknown
McDermott has turned Creighton into a perennial contender, consistently competing at a high level in the Big East and making deep NCAA Tournament runs. His offensive system is modern, efficient, and player-friendly, which could be a great fit for Indiana’s talent pool. His experience and ability to develop players make him an attractive option. He’s 60 years old, making him more of a short-term option than a long-term program builder. He’s also deeply entrenched at Creighton, where he has a stable and successful situation. Would he want to uproot at this stage of his career? And would Indiana fans view this as a splashy enough hire?
POTENTIAL BUT UNLIKELY CANDIDATES
This group consists of intriguing options with varying levels of success at their current programs. Some are rising stars, while others are established names, but each comes with potential obstacles—whether it’s buyout issues, inexperience at a high level, or concerns about long-term fit at Indiana.
Shaka Smart
- Current Position: Marquette head coach
- Age: 47
- D1 Career Record: 365-177 (16 years)
- Buyout: Unknown
Smart has revived his career at Marquette, leading the team to a Big East title and success in the NCAA tournament. With a chance to prove himself at a blueblood program like Indiana, the opportunity could be appealing. However, he has deep ties to his home state of Wisconsin, where he has built a strong foundation at Marquette. Would he be willing to leave a program where he’s established himself for the pressures and expectations of a program like Indiana, especially given his strong connection to his home state?
Todd Golden
- Current Position: Florida head coach
- Age: 39
- D1 Career Record: 116-67 (6 years)
- Current Salary: $14.625 million (As of November, 2024)
- Buyout: 65% of remaining contract through 2030 ($14.625 million today)
A young, analytics-driven coach who has brought energy to Florida. His modern approach to coaching could translate well at a blueblood like Indiana. Indiana’s prestige and resources far exceed what he has at Florida. If he’s looking for a high-profile challenge, this would be a logical step. He’s still relatively inexperienced and unproven at the highest level. On top of that, his buyout makes him an unrealistic candidate.
Mark Byington
- Current Position: Vanderbilt head coach
- Age: 48
- D1 Career Record: 236-141 (13 years)
- Current Salary: Unknown
- Buyout: $1 million
Byington has turned Vanderbilt into an NCAA tournament contender in his first season, following a strong run at James Madison, where he worked with Indiana's football coach Curt Cignetti. Vanderbilt is a tough job with limited basketball history, and Indiana would be a significant step up in resources and prestige. He’s relatively unproven at the high-major level. Would Indiana trust him to take over such a high-pressure job.
Ben McCollum
- Current Position: Drake head coach
- Age: 43
- D1 Career Record: 21-2 (1 year)
- Buyout: Unknown
A Division II coaching legend, McCollum turned Northwest Missouri State into a dynasty, winning four national titles. Now at Drake, he’s kept the program competitive right away. If McCollum seeks a higher-profile challenge, Indiana offers a historic platform to further cement his coaching legacy. His only year at the Division I level has been successful, but taking on a challenge like Indiana would be a significant step up and would require a leap of faith on Indiana's part.
Chris Collins
- Current Position: Northwestern head coach
- Age: 50
- D1 Career Record: 191-184 (12 years)
- Current Salary: (est.) $3.4 million
- Buyout: Unknown (Private school)
Collins led Northwestern to its first-ever NCAA tournament and has made the team a consistent Big Ten competitor in recent years. Indiana is a much bigger job than Northwestern, with greater recruiting resources and a richer history. His overall record is barely above .500, and he’s had multiple losing seasons at Northwestern. Would he be able to handle the expectations at Indiana?
Dennis Gates
- Current Position: Missouri head coach
- Age: 45
- D1 Career Record: 100-79 (6 years)
- Current Salary: $4.1 million
- Buyout: $21.5 million (As of March, 2024)
Gates has one of the more intriguing résumés in this coaching search. He quickly turned Cleveland State into a winner, then impressed in his first year at Missouri with 25 wins and an NCAA Tournament run. Now in his third season, he has the Tigers back in the national mix and competing near the top of the SEC. But his second season in Columbia was a disaster—0-18 in conference play. His best teams have thrived offensively, but the inconsistency raises questions. If you believe in what he did in his first season and what he's doing again in his third season with the Tigers, he’s a rising star. But can Indiana overlook that awful second season at Missouri?
