2025 NCAAM Coaching Carousel: Top Candidates and Latest Buzz

The 2025 NCAAM Coaching Carousel: What’s Next?

The 2025 NCAAM coaching carousel is in full swing, with several high-profile programs looking to fill vacancies. Indiana Hoosiers fans are particularly eager to see who will replace Mike Woodson, but the search has been anything but straightforward. Let’s dive into the latest buzz and analyze the top candidates for Indiana and other major programs.

Indiana Hoosiers: A Challenging Search

Indiana’s search for a new head coach has been met with significant challenges. The Hoosiers have already missed out on top targets like Brad Stevens and Dusty May, and other candidates such as T.J. Otzelberger and Scott Drew seem unlikely to make the move. The primary issue? Massive buyout clauses in coaches’ contracts are making it increasingly difficult for programs to lure big names away from their current positions.

Top Candidates for Indiana:

• Ben McCollum (Drake): McCollum has a proven track record, winning four Division II national championships before leading Drake to the NCAA tournament in his first Division I season.
• Brad Brownell (Clemson): Brownell led Clemson to the Elite Eight last season and has continued to impress with a strong ACC campaign this year.

NC State Wolfpack: A New Era

NC State parted ways with Kevin Keatts after a disappointing season, despite his previous success in taking the Wolfpack to the Final Four. The search for his replacement is already underway, with VCU’s Ryan Odom and McNeese’s Will Wade emerging as top contenders.

Virginia Cavaliers: Replacing a Legend

Virginia is also in the market for a new head coach following Tony Bennett’s sudden retirement. Interim coach Ron Sanchez struggled to maintain the program’s success, leading to a sub-.500 season. The Cavaliers are now looking at candidates like Ryan Odom and Richard Pitino to fill the void.

What’s Next?

The coaching carousel is far from over, with several other programs likely to make changes in the coming weeks. Texas, Villanova, Iowa, and UCF are all programs to watch, as their current coaches are on shaky ground. Additionally, mid-major programs like UNLV and Fordham could also see coaching changes.

Key Takeaways

• Buyout Clauses: Massive buyout clauses are making it difficult for programs to hire top-tier coaches.
• Mid-Major Coaches: Programs are increasingly looking to mid-major coaches as more affordable and viable options.
• Financial Caution: Schools are being more cautious with their spending, especially with the looming revenue-sharing era on the horizon.

Stay tuned as the 2025 NCAAM coaching carousel continues to spin, with more updates and potential hires on the horizon.