Kenny Payne decided to stay with the Knicks after interviewing for the DePaul head coaching vacancy, but fellow assistant coach Mike Woodson is leaving New York to coach at his alma mater, Indiana.
The 63-year-old Woodson has accepted the position as the Hoosiers’ next head coach, the school announced Sunday.
Woodson, the fifth-leading scorer in Indiana history, returned to the Knicks as one of Tom Thibodeau’s assistants this season after serving as their head coach for two-plus seasons from 2012-2014, including the franchise’s lone playoff-round victory since 2000 in 2013. He previously had coached the Atlanta Hawks from 2004-10.
Woodson was finalizing a six-year contract to return to Indiana, where he starred under Bob Knight from 1976-80, ESPN reported.
“We know it’s a very special opportunity for Mike to return to his alma mater as head coach and wish him the very best,” Knicks president Leon Rose said in a statement. “Woody had a great impact on our team’s play and culture this season and he will be missed.”
Indiana fired head coach Archie Miller this month after the Hoosiers finished the season with seven straight losses for a 12-15 overall record — and 7-12 in the Big Ten — to miss the NCAA Tournament for the fourth straight season (excluding the 2020 COVID cancellation).
A league source confirmed Saturday that Payne — the influential former Kentucky assistant coach — will remain with the Knicks. Another member of Thibodeau’s coaching staff, Johnnie Bryant, withdrew his name from consideration for the college opening at Utah on Friday.
Thibodeau had said last week he would not prevent his assistants from interviewing for jobs that would advance their coaching careers.
“Obviously very pleased that they’re being recognized and all are very capable,” Thibodeau said before Saturday’s win in Milwaukee. “But I’m obviously pleased that [Payne and Bryant are] staying.”
Julius Randle (thigh) and Reggie Bullock (ankle) have been listed as questionable for Monday’s home game against the Heat after they both missed Saturday’s game. For the Heat, the newly acquired Victor Oladipo (illness) and Kendrick Nunn (ankle) have been ruled out, while Goran Dragic (hip) is probable.