Former Indiana men’s basketball coach Mike Woodson, who officially stepped down earlier this month after three seasons at the helm, has reportedly left a parting message that is causing early headaches for his successor, Darian DeVries.According to sources close to the program, Woodson, in a recent internal memo and team meeting prior to his departure, voiced strong opinions about the program’s culture and personnel decisions — opinions that now appear to conflict with the early plans DeVries has for the Hoosiers.
Woodson, 66, who returned to Indiana in 2021 to lead his alma mater, had a tenure marked by mixed results: flashes of promise, marquee wins, and notable recruiting classes — but also inconsistency and unmet expectations in postseason play. His departure was seen by many as a chance for a fresh start under DeVries, who arrives from Drake University with a reputation for building cohesive, overachieving squads.
However, the transition hasn’t been as smooth as hoped.
A Divisive Message
Sources say that in his final address to players and staff, Woodson strongly encouraged the program to remain loyal to key veterans and maintain certain elements of his offensive scheme. He also reportedly warned against what he called a “wholesale culture reset,” urging DeVries to preserve the foundation that had been laid.
“Coach Woodson made it clear he didn’t want the program to become something entirely different overnight,” one source told The Hoosier Daily. “But it’s put DeVries in a tough spot — he wants to bring in his own style, and now there’s tension around that.”
The message, while perhaps well-intentioned, has reportedly frustrated DeVries and his staff, who feel that it undercuts their authority and complicates the already delicate process of taking over a storied but currently unstable program.
What’s Next for DeVries?
For DeVries, the challenge now is twofold: asserting control over a locker room that may still be loyal to Woodson, while trying to implement his own system in a way that doesn’t alienate players or boosters.
“He’s walking a tightrope,” a Big Ten insider commented. “There’s pressure to win immediately, but also pressure to not stray too far from the legacy Woodson tried to build.”
DeVries is expected to meet with players individually over the coming weeks, and several could enter the transfer portal depending on how they feel about the program’s new direction.