BREAKING NEWS: Former Indiana Hoosiers Men’s Basketball Head Coach Mike Woodson Stuns Fans as He Announces New Contract Deal and Sends Shocking…

Former Indiana Hoosiers Men’s Basketball Head Coach Mike Woodson Stuns Fans as He Announces New Contract Deal and Sends Shocking Message to Darian DeVries

BLOOMINGTON, IN — In a development that no one in Hoosier Nation saw coming, former Indiana men’s basketball head coach Mike Woodson has stunned fans and insiders alike by announcing a brand-new contract — not with Indiana, but with a high-profile basketball program overseas — while delivering a bold and unexpected message to his successor, Darian DeVries.

Woodson, who stepped down earlier this year after a mixed but passionate tenure as head coach of the Hoosiers, has signed a three-year deal to become the head coach of one of Europe’s top-tier basketball clubs, Real Madrid Baloncesto. The announcement was made via a press release and confirmed by both the team and Woodson himself in an exclusive ESPN interview that aired Tuesday morning.

But it wasn’t just the move that turned heads — it was what Woodson had to say next that sent shockwaves through the Indiana basketball community.

In the interview, Woodson took a moment to speak directly to his former team and, in particular, to new head coach Darian DeVries, who was brought in from Drake to lead the next chapter of Indiana basketball.

“Indiana isn’t just another coaching job — it’s a sacred responsibility,” Woodson said. “And to Coach DeVries, I say this with all due respect: don’t lose sight of what this program means to the people. It’s not just about winning games — it’s about honoring decades of tradition, of grit, and of Hoosier pride.”

While not overtly critical, Woodson’s comments were delivered with a seriousness that caught many off guard. He also added that he was “disappointed” in the way certain transitions were handled during his departure but stopped short of assigning blame.

“I gave my heart to that program — and I still bleed cream and crimson. But I felt like my time was cut short, and I hope the new leadership understands the weight of that position,” he said.

Sources close to the program indicated that Woodson had been in talks with European clubs since early March, but few expected him to make such a dramatic pivot so soon after leaving Bloomington. Real Madrid, one of the most storied franchises in European basketball, cited Woodson’s “NBA pedigree, player development skills, and global vision” as key factors in their decision.

Back in Indiana, reactions to Woodson’s comments — and his new gig — were swift and divided. Some fans took to social media to express their continued support for the longtime NBA veteran, praising his loyalty and honesty.

“Mike Woodson never sugarcoats anything — that’s why we loved him,” one fan tweeted. “This program meant the world to him. Respect.”

Others, however, felt that his comments about DeVries, who has yet to coach his first official game for IU, were unnecessary and potentially distracting during a critical rebuilding period.

For his part, Coach Darian DeVries responded diplomatically during a press conference held later in the day.

“Coach Woodson did a lot for this program, and I respect that,” DeVries said. “My focus is on the future — building a team that competes, connects with the community, and lives up to the Indiana name. I’m not here to replace a legacy — I’m here to build on it.”

While DeVries continues to work through spring workouts and roster building, Woodson will begin assembling his coaching staff abroad, with reports indicating he may tap former NBA colleagues to join him in Madrid.

As for Indiana, the message is clear: the shadow of Mike Woodson still looms large in Assembly Hall. His new chapter may take place thousands of miles away, but his voice — and legacy — remain tightly woven into the fabric of the Hoosiers’ past, present, and future.

Whether his words serve as motivation or controversy, one thing is certain: Mike Woodson is far from done making headlines.