General Coach Candidate News

[OliviaPope40 7,436]

7 minutes ago, MaynardaHoosier said:

Is this better?

 

First off, let’s talk about the soul of this hire. Brad Stevens isn’t just an Indiana native—he’s the living embodiment of Hoosier basketball. Born in Zionsville, raised on the hardwood dreams of IU’s five national titles, Stevens has the state’s crimson and cream coursing through his veins. Insiders close to the program tell me he’s been quietly meeting with Athletic Director Scott Dolson for weeks—off-the-record dinners at Nick’s English Hut, late-night strategy sessions disguised as “family visits” back home. They’re not just reminiscing about the ’87 title; they’re plotting a triumphant return. Sources say Stevens has already sketched out a 10-year vision for IU, one that fuses his Butler magic with the NBA polish he’s honed in Boston. He’s not walking away from the Celtics because he’s tired—he’s coming home because he knows he’s the only one who can resurrect this sleeping giant.

Now, let’s get to the numbers only the inner circle would know. I’ve got word from a high-ranking IU booster—let’s call him “Mr. Assembly Hall”—that the university has secured a jaw-dropping $85 million contract over eight years to lure Stevens back. That’s not just the biggest in NCAA history; it’s a statement that IU is done settling for mediocrity. This isn’t public yet, but the paperwork’s already being finalized in a law office on Kirkwood Avenue. And here’s the kicker: Stevens negotiated a clause that lets him bring two of his Celtics staffers—guys who’ve been with him since the 2018 Eastern Conference Finals run—to build a pro-style program in Bloomington. That’s the kind of foresight that turns a good coach into a legend.

The timing? Perfect. Mike Woodson’s exit was announced earlier this month, and my sources say Stevens was the first call Dolson made—before the press release even hit. Woodson’s a class act, but his 62-52 record over four years doesn’t cut it for a fanbase starving for banners. Stevens, meanwhile, just led the Celtics to their 18th title in 2024, cementing his legacy there. Insiders whisper he’s confided to close friends that he’s “done all he can in Boston” and craves the challenge of rebuilding IU into a college powerhouse. Picture this: a sold-out Assembly Hall, March Madness buzzing, and Stevens diagramming a last-second play to knock off Purdue. That’s not a dream—that’s the future.

And let’s talk Xs and Os. Stevens’ Butler teams went 166-49, with back-to-back national title game runs in 2010 and 2011. His Celtics tenure? A 354-282 record and a championship. The man’s a genius who adapts—he’d take IU’s roster, infuse it with his motion offense, and have them playing like a top-10 team by year two. I’ve heard from a former Butler assistant that Stevens has already scouted IU’s current squad, pinpointing freshman phenom Liam McNeeley as the cornerstone of his system. He’s got binders—literal binders—stashed in his Boston office, filled with recruiting targets from the 2026 class, all tailored to IU’s needs. This isn’t a guy dipping his toe in; he’s diving headfirst.

Finally, the emotional pull is too strong to resist. Stevens grew up idolizing Bobby Knight, watching grainy VHS tapes of the ’81 and ’87 title runs. A confidant from his DePauw days swears Stevens once said, “If I ever get the chance to coach IU, I’m taking it—no hesitation.” That chance is now. The Celtics are in good hands with Joe Mazzulla, and Stevens knows it. He’s 48, in his prime, and ready to come home to a program that’s begging for his steady hand. The fans will erupt when he steps onto that court, the prodigal son returned to lead IU back to the promised land.

So, Hoosiers, light the fires and raise the roof—Brad Stevens is coming. The contract’s in motion, the vision’s set, and the heart’s already here. This isn’t just a hire; it’s a revolution. Get ready for a new golden era in Bloomington—because Brad Stevens is the one we’ve been waiting for.

[Chris007 60,882]

4 minutes ago, Muskie plays the four said:

This wanted to  be banger really bad 

Yea he missed with the Liam McNeely part

[8bucks 7,441]

14 hours ago, MaynardaHoosier said:

Longtime lurker, member of the original Peegs forum years ago.  I do not consider myself an insider, but I do have a few tertiary connections to the program.  My sister babysat Scott Dolson for a few years.   President Whitten's famous quiche recipe was given to her by my mother in law, and my wife is the soccer coach at Wellesley High School.

I played for Coach Knight, albeit briefly, knee injuries cost me my career, and consequently cost Coach Knight his 4th banner.  Thankfully my relationship with the Celtics leadership offered me a soft landing and a lucrative career.  All this to say that I am greatly indebted to this forum and the information produced here.  Without the really connected folks like RTZ keeping me informed, I would be completely in the dark regarding the next IU Coach and the possibility of landing someone like Brad Stevens.

Still have a question about your wife being the head coach of Wellesley High School.  That looks to be Dave Wainwright Girls Soccer | Athletics Department

 

[lillurk 4,916]

4 minutes ago, Chris007 said:

And that contract is getting signed today right Maynard. Your my guy.

I’ll assume you’re joking but welcome anybody in the DMs who wants to tell me it’s not just a dream

[Hoosierfan1901 8,178]

7 minutes ago, Muskie plays the four said:

This wanted to  be banger really bad 

Should I declare DEFCON 1? All thought I thought I was reading an ChatGPT story at first. That McNeeley part sounds AI. 

[OliviaPope40 7,436]

1 minute ago, Chris007 said:

Yea he missed with the Liam McNeely part

Averaging 15.5 points on the season so far. 85% free throw shooter.

Edited February 27 by OliviaPope40

[OldBuddy67 307]

36 minutes ago, Muskie plays the four said:

Jerry Hoover pretty sure he would bring a shooter with him. 

Hoov!!!

D-One Camp!!!! Late night coaches meeting with pizza and a beverage of your choice!!! Hoov's stories: The F*ck story, Tuffy Truesdale, if you heard em you won't forget em! Good times!

[sirhoosierlot 3,691]

8 minutes ago, Aaron said:

Why has no one mentioned Brian Dutcher at San Diego St? Has coached to a Final Four and a resume not that different from most others being considered?

I thought about mentioning him but he's already 65. Would be a great fit other than that I think. 

[Kentuckysucks 4,331]

9 minutes ago, IndianaSconnie90 said:

I always thought that Drew was disliked among high school basketball circuits in Indiana? 

But he’s going to bring Crean in as his lead assistant to help mend fences.

[Hoosierfan1901 8,178]

6 minutes ago, Chris007 said:

Yea he missed with the Liam McNeely part

Unless LM is planning on transferring from UConn, but that part felt like AI. Since someone posted that ChatGPT Coach %

[Chris007 60,882]

1 minute ago, Hoosierfan1901 said:

Unless LM is planning on transferring from UConn, but that part felt like AI. Since someone posted that ChatGPT Coach %

I thought he meant to put Braylon Mullins in that space but got confused and put Liam

[tyappleg 7,402]

22 minutes ago, Chris007 said:

I have a feeling were going to hear from @IsaacTor sometime between now and Sunday. 

Promise?  It's getting a little stale around here. 

[theriverpilot 6,701]

40 minutes ago, MaynardaHoosier said:

 

Scott Drew (Baylor Head Coach): 12%

Drew’s 54, won a national title with Baylor in 2021, and turned that program around over 20 years. He’s beloved in Waco, rejected Kentucky and Louisville last spring, and seems entrenched. IU’s a bigger brand, and he’s got the chops, but pulling him out of Texas feels like a stretch unless he’s craving a new challenge. Inside the Hall pegs him as a long shot who’d need to be courted hard.

 

Uhh, yeah.  It lost me right there.  I wouldn't consider IU a bigger brand than Kentucky right now.  It totally has the capability to exceed it but it would be difficult to argue for right now.

[Hoosierfan1901 8,178]

6 minutes ago, Chris007 said:

I thought he meant to put Braylon Mullins in that space but got confused and put Liam

Maybe, I don’t know where he got the 62-52 record from for Woodson. I don’t want to be rude, but it felt like I was reading a fanfic. You may have more insight anyways, whether or not some of that is true.

[Chris007 60,882]

18 minutes ago, tyappleg said:

Promise?  It's getting a little stale around here. 

No promises but just have a gut feeling let's say

[Home Jersey 15,165]

1 minute ago, tyappleg said:

Promise?  It's getting a little stale around here. 

Anyone who wants to kill time can feel free to design my BS butt cheek tattoo if/when he returns as the IUBB messiah

[MaynardaHoosier 69]

7 minutes ago, Hoosierfan1901 said:

Unless LM is planning on transferring from UConn, but that part felt like AI. Since someone posted that ChatGPT Coach %

It was AI... that was the point.   The AI coach % were said to be worthy of a vomit emoji.   I asked chatgpt to give btown banners what it wants.   I didn't even read it,  because it didn't really matter.   The LM stuff is funny though!

[Scooter T Washington 146]

21 minutes ago, Muskie plays the four said:

This wanted to  be banger really bad 

You mean it’s not? 
Signed,

Liam McNeeley 

[Hoosierfan1901 8,178]

5 minutes ago, MaynardaHoosier said:

It was AI... that was the point.   The AI coach % were said to be worthy of a vomit emoji.   I asked chatgpt to give btown banners what it wants.   I didn't even read it,  because it didn't really matter.   The LM stuff is funny though!

Gotcha, thanks for the clarification. You probably would have crashed BTB lol.

[RaceToTheTop 30,196]

8 minutes ago, Chris007 said:

No promises but just have a guy feeling let's say

I’m not your guy feeling, buddy.