1. Mike Woodson
- Tenure: 2021-present
- Record at IU: 55–30 (.647)
- 2 NCAA Tournament Appearances (2022, 2023)
A legend as a player, leading the team to an NIT Championship in 1979, Mike Woodson now helms the ship to replicate that magic and beyond as the head coach.
His coaching journey, however, is far from limited to his alma mater. Woodson boasts an impressive NBA pedigree, serving as head coach for the Atlanta Hawks and New York Knicks.
Under his guidance, the Knicks even reached the playoffs in 2013, a testament to his coaching prowess.
In his two seasons at the helm, he has led the Hoosiers to back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances for the first time since 2015-16.
2. Archie Miller
- Tenure: 2017-2021
- Record at IU: 67–58 (.536)
Archie Miller, the 29th head coach of the Indiana University men's basketball team from 2017 to 2021, brought a passion for the game and a commitment to excellence.
Under his tenure, Miller aimed to restore the Hoosiers' basketball prominence. His coaching acumen was evident as he fostered player development and implemented strategic gameplay.
Prior to joining Indiana, Miller achieved success at the University of Dayton, leading the Flyers to multiple NCAA Tournament appearances and earning a reputation for his adept recruiting.
He brought in a promising freshman class and instilled a tough, pack-line defense during his first-season.
3. Tom Crean
- Tenure: 2008-2017
- Record at IU: 5166–135 (.551)
- 4 NCAA Tournament Appearances (2012, 2013, 2015, 2016)
- 2x Big Ten Regular Season (2013, 2016)
Renowned for his passion and strategic acumen, Tom Crean steered the Hoosiers through a period of rebuilding and resurgence.
Under his guidance, IU reclaimed its status as a formidable force in collegiate basketball. Youngsters like Cody Zeller and Yogi Ferrell bloomed under Crean's nurturing style.
Notably, Crean led the team to consecutive Sweet 16 appearances in the NCAA Tournament during the 2011-2012 and 2012-2013 seasons.
Crean's coaching prowess and dedication to the game earned him accolades, including the Big Ten Coach of the Year in 2016.
4. Dan Dakich
- Tenure: 2008 (interim)
- Record at IU: 3–4 (.429)
- 1 NCAA Tournament Appearances (2008)
Dan Dakich, an integral part of the Indiana University basketball legacy, served as the head coach in an interim capacity during the 2007-2008 season.
Known for his passion and basketball acumen, Dakich stepped into the leadership role after the departure of Kelvin Sampson.
As a former player under legendary coach Bob Knight, Dakich brought a deep understanding of the Hoosier basketball ethos. He played a crucial role in stabilizing the team during a challenging period of transition.
Dakich's coaching style emphasized discipline and fundamental skills, contributing to the development of players on and off the court.
5. Kelvin Sampson
- Tenure: 2006-2008
- Record at IU: 43–15 (.741)
- 1 NCAA Tournament Appearances (2007)
Kelvin Sampson arrived in Bloomington in 2006, inheriting a program thirsting for relevance after the tumult of the Mike Davis era.
He brought infectious energy, demanding a commitment to defense and toughness that resonated with Hoosier fans.
And boy, did it work. His first season saw a 21-11 record, a return to the NCAA Tournament, and a rabid Assembly Hall chanting his name.
With an impressive coaching background, Kelvin aimed to propel the Hoosiers to new heights. Star shooting guard like Eric Gordon thrived under his demanding system.
6. Mike Davis
- Tenure: 2000-2006
- Record at IU: 115–79 (.593)
- 4 NCAA Tournament Appearances (2001, 2002, 2003, 2006)
- 1x Big Ten Regular Season (2002)
Following the towering shadow of Bob Knight was no easy feat, but Mike Davis stepped onto the Hoosiers' hardwood in 2000 and etched his own chapter in Indiana basketball history.
He brought a dynamic, fast-paced style that electrified Assembly Hall, transforming the team into Big Ten contenders.
His tenure boasted four NCAA Tournament appearances, including a heart-stopping run to the 2002 National Championship game.
Davis unearthed hidden gems like Jared Jeffries and A.J. Guyton, molding them into stars, and his teams routinely toppled ranked opponents.
7. Bob Knight
- Tenure: 1971-2000
- Record at IU: 662–239 (.735)
- 3x NCAA Division I Champion (1976, 1981, 1987)
- 11x Big Ten Regular Season (1973-1976, 1980, 1981, 1983, 1987, 1989, 1991, 1993)
- 1979 NIT Champion
Bob Knight, an iconic figure in Indiana basketball, coached the Hoosiers from 1971 to 2000, etching an unparalleled legacy.
Knight, renowned for his fiery coaching style, led Indiana to three NCAA championships, showcasing his strategic brilliance.
He molded raw talent into polished stars like Isiah Thomas, Steve Alford, and Scott May, etching their names in Hoosier lore. Knight's Hoosiers secured 11 Big Ten championships under his tenure.
8. Jerry Oliver
- Tenure: 1969-1970, 1971 (Acting)
- Record at IU: 4-17 (.190)
Jerry Oliver's name might not always come up amongst the titans of Indiana basketball, but his quiet contributions deserve a place in the Hoosier chronicles.
Though his two periods as head coach, spanning parts of 1969-70 and 1971, were brief, he served as a steady hand during turbulent times, bridging the gap between legendary coaches.
His coaching career blossomed at Indianapolis Washington High School, where he led them to a state championship in 1965.
His talent for nurturing talent caught the eye of Lou Watson, landing him an assistant position at IU.
9. Lou Watson
- Tenure: 1965-1971
- Record at IU: 65–60 (.520)
- 1 NCAA Tournament Appearances (1967)
- 1x Big Ten Regular Season (1967)
Lou Watson, a revered figure in Indiana basketball history, held the reins as head coach from 1965 to 1971, leaving an enduring impact on the Hoosiers' legacy.
A Hoosier through and through, Watson starred as a player in the 40s, holding career and Big Ten scoring records.
He returned as head coach after coaching at Huntington High School and serving as an assistant under Branch McCracken.
His 1967 co-Big Ten championship solidified his place in Hoosier lore, showcasing his ability to extract the best from under-the-radar talents.
10. Branch McCracken
- Tenure: 1938-1943, 1946-1965
- Record at IU: 364-174 (.677)
- 2x NCAA Division I Champion (1940, 1953)
- 4x Big Ten Regular Season (1953, 1954, 1957, 1958)
Branch McCracken, a towering figure in the history of Indiana University basketball, served as the head coach during two distinct eras.
Under his guidance, IU clinched back-to-back NCAA championships in 1940 and 1953, a feat that solidified his status as a coaching legend.
Leading the Hoosiers from 1938 to 1943 and then from 1946 to 1965, McCracken etched his name in the annals of basketball history. His achievements extend beyond championships, as he led the Hoosiers to multiple Big Ten titles.
