ESPN commentator Dick Vitale recommends going after legendary UVA former head coach Tony Bennett for next season
Current Indiana Hoosiers head coach Mike Woodson will step down at the conclusion of the current season as Indiana has been struggling to find their identity all season.
The Hoosiers currently sit at a 15-11 overall record, 6-9 in Big Ten Conference play which leaves them 12th overall in the conf.
With Woodson stepping down and IU in danger of missing the 2025 NCAA Tournament, Indiana is already searching for a new head coach for the upcoming season.
ESPN’s legendary college hoops analyst Dick Vitale says the Indiana Hoosiers should look to hire former Virginia coach Tony Bennett, if he’s willing to come out of retirement.
If Tony Bennett decides to want to coach again Indiana should do whatever it takes to bring him to Bloomington,”Vitale posted on X. “Absolutely the best available as he is a sure future Hall of Famer.”
Bennett had major success at Virginia, he was considered one of the top coaches in college basketball at the time, winning the 2019 national championship, six ACC regular season titles, four ACC coach of the year awards and two national coach of the year awards.
Tony Bennett coached Virginia from 2010-24 and had a .728 win percentage, with a 364-136 overall record and 189-82 in ACC Conference play. He led the UVA Cavaliers to 10 NCAA Tournament appearances, including a fore mentioned national championship, an Elite Eight run and a Sweet 16 appearance.
Bennett started his career as an assistant at Washington State and Wisconsin. He also previously coached Washington State from 2006-09, going 69-33 with two NCAA Tournament appearances and a Sweet 16 berth.
If indiana can land Bennett who is 56, and grab him out retirement that would be a home run hire for the Hoosiers basketball program.
The coaching search will be one of the big storylines in the Big Ten and college basketball world in the off-season.