I asked AI who should be IU's next coach...

[IUclover]

Question: Who should be Indiana University's next head basketball coach?

Response:
That depends on what Indiana University is looking for—do they want a proven winner with head coaching experience, a young up-and-comer, or someone with deep IU ties?

Here are some strong candidates based on different approaches:

Proven Head Coaches​

• Nate Oats (Alabama) – Modern offensive mind, great recruiter, but expensive and hard to pry from the SEC.
• Eric Musselman (Arkansas) – High-energy, strong recruiter, tournament success, but can be polarizing.
• Dusty May (FAU) – Indiana native, great tactician, led FAU to a Final Four. Could be a home run.

Indiana Ties​

• Steve Alford (Nevada) – Former IU star, but his coaching record is mixed.
• Michael Lewis (Ball State) – Former IU player, young coach making progress, but lacks high-major experience.
• Calbert Cheaney (Pacers assistant) – IU legend, but no college head coaching experience.

Rising Stars​

• Shaka Smart (Marquette) – Resurgent at Marquette, strong defensive identity, could be ready for a Big Ten move.
• Jerome Tang (Kansas State) – Has built a strong culture and overachieved early in his tenure.
• Chris Holtmann (formerly Ohio State) – Fired from OSU but has had success in the past. Worth considering?

Who do you think fits best? Should IU aim for a big name or a coach who just “gets” Indiana basketball?

 

[IUclover]

Question: But what about Chris Beard?

Response:
Chris Beard is undoubtedly a high-level coach—his track record at Texas Tech (2019 national runner-up) and his brief stint at Texas before being dismissed for off-the-court issues show that he can win at an elite level. He's a strong recruiter, defensive-minded, and has proven he can build a program capable of deep NCAA tournament runs.

However, his hiring would come with major controversy. His 2022 arrest for domestic violence (charges were later dropped) led to his firing at Texas, and while he's since been hired by Ole Miss, IU would have to weigh whether they want to deal with the PR and ethical implications of bringing him in.

If Indiana wants to make a pure basketball decision, Beard could turn IU into a winner quickly. But if they want to maintain a strong public image and avoid controversy, they may look elsewhere.

Would IU fans and administration be willing to handle the backlash for potential success? What’s more important—winning at all costs or keeping a clean reputation?

 

[IUclover]

Question: Why is Coach Mike Woodson failing as the IU coach?

Response:
Mike Woodson's tenure at Indiana has been a mixed bag—he’s had some success (back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances, a Sweet 16 run, and two wins over Purdue), but this season has exposed major flaws. Here’s why things are going south:

1. Poor Roster Construction​

• Woodson's reliance on the transfer portal has led to a roster that lacks shooting, depth, and chemistry.
• IU has too many forwards and not enough guards, making floor spacing a nightmare.
• Missing out on key recruits (especially in-state stars) has hurt long-term development.

2. Lack of Offensive Identity​

• Woodson’s NBA-style offense isn’t working in the college game, especially without elite shot-makers.
• IU’s half-court offense is stagnant, relying too much on individual talent rather than structured sets.
• The lack of three-point shooting makes them easy to defend—opponents clog the paint, daring IU to beat them from deep.

3. Defensive Regression​

• Defense was a strength early in Woodson’s tenure, but effort and execution have dipped.
• Poor transition defense and rebounding have led to big deficits in games.
• Players seem lost in Woodson’s defensive schemes, suggesting either a lack of buy-in or poor coaching adjustments.

4. In-Game Coaching Struggles​

• Woodson has struggled with substitutions and timeout usage.
• Adjustments mid-game, especially when facing better-coached teams, have been lacking.
• The team often comes out flat in second halves, suggesting motivational issues.

5. Recruiting and Player Development Issues​

• IU landed top recruits like Jalen Hood-Schifino and Malik Reneau but hasn’t developed players at the same rate as top programs.
• Indiana has missed on key in-state talent, allowing Purdue to dominate in recruiting.
• Transfer portal strategy has been hit-or-miss, with many players not fitting Woodson’s system.

Bottom Line​

Woodson was brought in to bring IU back to national relevance, but the results have been underwhelming. If he can’t turn things around, the pressure will mount for IU to look for a new coach.

Do you think Woodson deserves more time, or is it time for a change?

 

[ulrey]

Cool.

 

[kurt cloverdales]

I figured AI would say Larry Brown

 

[IUclover]

I figured AI would say Larry Brown

Question: Why not Larry Brown as the next IU head coach?

Response:
Larry Brown is one of the greatest basketball minds ever, but hiring him as Indiana’s next head coach would come with major concerns. Here’s why:

Pros of Hiring Larry Brown​

✅ Hall of Fame Pedigree – Only coach to win both an NCAA (Kansas, 1988) and NBA (Pistons, 2004) championship. His basketball IQ is unmatched.
✅ Player Development Guru – Known for getting the most out of his players and teaching fundamentals at a high level.
✅ Experience with Woodson – Brown has worked as an advisor under Mike Woodson, so he’s familiar with the program.

Cons of Hiring Larry Brown​

❌ Age & Health – At 83 years old, it’s hard to see him handling the grind of high-level recruiting and the daily demands of running a Big Ten program.
❌ Recruiting Challenges – The modern NIL and transfer portal landscape is very different from the era where Brown thrived.
❌ Program Stability – Brown’s history includes multiple NCAA violations and leaving jobs quickly. IU needs long-term stability.

Realistic Role for Brown?​

Instead of head coach, Brown could be a valuable advisor or assistant for a younger coach. His presence could be beneficial for player development and in-game strategy without putting the entire program on his shoulders.

Would you take the risk on Brown, or should IU go for a younger, long-term hire?

 

[kmathum]

Question: Who should be Indiana University's next head basketball coach?

Response:
That depends on what Indiana University is looking for—do they want a proven winner with head coaching experience, a young up-and-comer, or someone with deep IU ties?

Here are some strong candidates based on different approaches:

Proven Head Coaches​

• Nate Oats (Alabama) – Modern offensive mind, great recruiter, but expensive and hard to pry from the SEC.
• Eric Musselman (Arkansas) – High-energy, strong recruiter, tournament success, but can be polarizing.
• Dusty May (FAU) – Indiana native, great tactician, led FAU to a Final Four. Could be a home run.

Indiana Ties​

• Steve Alford (Nevada) – Former IU star, but his coaching record is mixed.
• Michael Lewis (Ball State) – Former IU player, young coach making progress, but lacks high-major experience.
• Calbert Cheaney (Pacers assistant) – IU legend, but no college head coaching experience.

Rising Stars​

• Shaka Smart (Marquette) – Resurgent at Marquette, strong defensive identity, could be ready for a Big Ten move.
• Jerome Tang (Kansas State) – Has built a strong culture and overachieved early in his tenure.
• Chris Holtmann (formerly Ohio State) – Fired from OSU but has had success in the past. Worth considering?

Who do you think fits best? Should IU aim for a big name or a coach who just “gets” Indiana basketball?

 

[bsmitty08]

Question: Who should be Indiana University's next head basketball coach?

Response:
That depends on what Indiana University is looking for—do they want a proven winner with head coaching experience, a young up-and-comer, or someone with deep IU ties?

Here are some strong candidates based on different approaches:

Proven Head Coaches​

• Nate Oats (Alabama) – Modern offensive mind, great recruiter, but expensive and hard to pry from the SEC.
• Eric Musselman (Arkansas) – High-energy, strong recruiter, tournament success, but can be polarizing.
• Dusty May (FAU) – Indiana native, great tactician, led FAU to a Final Four. Could be a home run.

Indiana Ties​

• Steve Alford (Nevada) – Former IU star, but his coaching record is mixed.
• Michael Lewis (Ball State) – Former IU player, young coach making progress, but lacks high-major experience.
• Calbert Cheaney (Pacers assistant) – IU legend, but no college head coaching experience.

Rising Stars​

• Shaka Smart (Marquette) – Resurgent at Marquette, strong defensive identity, could be ready for a Big Ten move.
• Jerome Tang (Kansas State) – Has built a strong culture and overachieved early in his tenure.
• Chris Holtmann (formerly Ohio State) – Fired from OSU but has had success in the past. Worth considering?

Who do you think fits best? Should IU aim for a big name or a coach who just “gets” Indiana basketball?

Boy they need to update the server lol

 

[IUclover]

Boy they need to update the server lol

I noticed that too after I posted it... I believe the paid/subscribed version has a more updated server.

 

[Pryght]

DeepSeek's response:

Choosing the next head basketball coach for Indiana University (IU) is a critical decision that will shape the future of the program. The ideal candidate should have a proven track record of success, the ability to recruit top talent, and a coaching style that aligns with IU's tradition of excellence. Here’s a breakdown of potential candidates and why they might (or might not) be a good fit:

---

Top-Tier Candidates​

1. Brad Stevens
   • Why: Stevens is the dream candidate for many IU fans. His success at Butler (back-to-back NCAA championship games) and his NBA experience with the Boston Celtics demonstrate his elite coaching ability. He’s a proven winner with deep Indiana roots.
   • Concerns: It’s unclear if he’s interested in leaving his role as President of Basketball Operations for the Celtics. Additionally, he hasn’t coached in college since 2013, and the landscape has changed significantly with NIL and the transfer portal.
2. Scott Drew
   • Why: Drew rebuilt Baylor into a national champion and has consistently produced top-tier teams. His Midwest roots and ability to develop players make him a great fit for IU.
   • Concerns: He’s turned down other elite jobs (Kentucky, Louisville) and seems committed to Baylor. Would he leave for IU?
3. Dusty May
   • Why: May’s success at Florida Atlantic (Final Four) and his quick turnaround at Michigan demonstrate his ability to build winning programs. His IU ties and familiarity with the Midwest are pluses.
   • Concerns: Limited track record at the high-major level. Can he sustain success over multiple recruiting cycles?

---

Strong Contenders​

1. Mick Cronin
   • Why: Cronin has consistently won at Cincinnati and UCLA, with a Final Four appearance. His defensive-minded approach and ability to develop players make him a strong candidate.
   • Concerns: His offensive style might not excite fans, and he’s only made one Final Four in 21 years.
2. Chris Beard
   • Why: Beard is a proven winner (Texas Tech Final Four, Ole Miss turnaround) with a Bob Knight connection. His defensive schemes and recruiting ability are elite.
   • Concerns: Off-court issues (domestic violence charge, though dismissed) could make him a divisive hire.
3. Shaka Smart
   • Why: Smart’s “Havoc” system and success at Marquette (consistent top-25 offenses) make him an exciting option. He’s also a proven program builder.
   • Concerns: His teams have struggled in the NCAA Tournament, and he’s been reluctant to use the transfer portal.

---

High-Risk, High-Reward Options​

1. Todd Golden
   • Why: Golden’s innovative offense and success at Florida (20-3 in Year 3) show he’s a rising star. His ability to adapt and learn from mentors like Bruce Pearl is a plus.
   • Concerns: Limited high-major experience and a relatively short track record.
2. Ben McCollum
   • Why: McCollum’s success at Northwest Missouri State (four D-II titles) and his quick start at Drake (22-2) show he’s a winner. He could be a hidden gem.
   • Concerns: Limited D-I experience. Is it too soon to take the risk?

---

Summary​

• Dream Hire: Brad Stevens or Scott Drew. Both have the pedigree and track record to immediately elevate IU to championship contention.
• Realistic Top Choices: Dusty May or Mick Cronin. May brings energy and Midwest ties, while Cronin offers proven success and stability.
• High-Risk Options: Todd Golden or Ben McCollum. Both are rising stars but come with questions about experience and adaptability.

IU should aim for a coach who can restore the program’s winning tradition, connect with fans, and thrive in the modern era of NIL and the transfer portal. Stevens or Drew would be home-run hires, but if they’re unavailable, May or Cronin would be strong alternatives.

 

[Univee2]

Question: Who should be Indiana University's next head basketball coach?

Response:
That depends on what Indiana University is looking for—do they want a proven winner with head coaching experience, a young up-and-comer, or someone with deep IU ties?

Here are some strong candidates based on different approaches:

Proven Head Coaches​

• Nate Oats (Alabama) – Modern offensive mind, great recruiter, but expensive and hard to pry from the SEC.
• Eric Musselman (Arkansas) – High-energy, strong recruiter, tournament success, but can be polarizing.
• Dusty May (FAU) – Indiana native, great tactician, led FAU to a Final Four. Could be a home run.

Indiana Ties​

• Steve Alford (Nevada) – Former IU star, but his coaching record is mixed.
• Michael Lewis (Ball State) – Former IU player, young coach making progress, but lacks high-major experience.
• Calbert Cheaney (Pacers assistant) – IU legend, but no college head coaching experience.

Rising Stars​

• Shaka Smart (Marquette) – Resurgent at Marquette, strong defensive identity, could be ready for a Big Ten move.
• Jerome Tang (Kansas State) – Has built a strong culture and overachieved early in his tenure.
• Chris Holtmann (formerly Ohio State) – Fired from OSU but has had success in the past. Worth considering?

Who do you think fits best? Should IU aim for a big name or a coach who just “gets” Indiana basketball?

This is interesting but I wonder how this might have worked when IU was looking for Allen’s successor. Do you think Curt Cignetti’s name would have popped up?

 

[IUclover]

This interesting but I wonder how this might have worked when IU was looking for Allen’s successor. Do you think Curt Cignetti’s name would have popped up?

I asked the bot to list potential coaches with the criteria of not knowing CCC was selected and dating back to Nov. 2023...

Response:
If we were back in November 2023, looking at Indiana University’s head coaching search without knowing the outcome, here are some strong candidates IU should have considered:

Experienced Head Coaches​

• Paul Chryst (Former Wisconsin HC) – Proven Big Ten winner, strong offensive mind, but questions about recruiting.
• Willie Fritz (Tulane HC) – Built Tulane into a winner, strong at developing talent, but would he leave the South?
• Lance Leipold (Kansas HC) – Turned around Kansas football, great culture builder, but likely hard to pry away.

Up-and-Coming Coaches​

• Kane Wommack (South Alabama HC, Former IU DC) – Knows IU, defensive-minded, young and energetic.
• Sean Lewis (Colorado OC, Former Kent State HC) – Fast-paced offense, but no Power 5 HC experience.
• Jason Candle (Toledo HC) – Longtime MAC success, solid recruiter, could be ready for a step up.

Wildcard Picks​

• Deion Sanders (Colorado HC) – Unlikely, but imagine the recruiting impact and media buzz!
• Jim Leonhard (Former Wisconsin DC, NFL coach) – Defensive mastermind, but lacks head coaching experience.
• Curt Cignetti (James Madison HC) – Built JMU into a powerhouse, disciplined program builder.

Indiana needed a coach who could recruit well, develop talent, and establish a clear identity to compete in the brutal Big Ten.

 

[iubirdman]

This is interesting but I wonder how this might have worked when IU was looking for Allen’s successor. Do you think Curt Cignetti’s name would have popped up?

I would think he would have been high risk high reward category

 

[HoosierJimbo89]

Allen Iverson knows way more about IU basketball than I thought!

 

[Sobchak_Security]

Question: Who should be Indiana University's next head basketball coach?

Response:
That depends on what Indiana University is looking for—do they want a proven winner with head coaching experience, a young up-and-comer, or someone with deep IU ties?

Here are some strong candidates based on different approaches:

Proven Head Coaches​

• Nate Oats (Alabama) – Modern offensive mind, great recruiter, but expensive and hard to pry from the SEC.
• Eric Musselman (Arkansas) – High-energy, strong recruiter, tournament success, but can be polarizing.
• Dusty May (FAU) – Indiana native, great tactician, led FAU to a Final Four. Could be a home run.

Indiana Ties​

• Steve Alford (Nevada) – Former IU star, but his coaching record is mixed.
• Michael Lewis (Ball State) – Former IU player, young coach making progress, but lacks high-major experience.
• Calbert Cheaney (Pacers assistant) – IU legend, but no college head coaching experience.

Rising Stars​

• Shaka Smart (Marquette) – Resurgent at Marquette, strong defensive identity, could be ready for a Big Ten move.
• Jerome Tang (Kansas State) – Has built a strong culture and overachieved early in his tenure.
• Chris Holtmann (formerly Ohio State) – Fired from OSU but has had success in the past. Worth considering?

Who do you think fits best? Should IU aim for a big name or a coach who just “gets” Indiana basketball?

Glass half full, if Indiana hires Jerome Tang we can call him “Poon”

 

[SRThoosier]

Eliminates paying search firms 6 figures.

 

[ANOTHERBANNERYEAR]

I would think he would have been high risk high reward category

Same with Ben McCollum. Go get him Dolson… that is if you feel hiring Beard would cause too much crying.