Assistant coach Dane Fife will not return to IU basketball for the 2022-23 season.
Head Men’s Basketball Coach Mike Woodson announced his plans today for a change with his coaching staff, as Fife will move on after one season back in the program.
“I am committed to doing what I believe is best for the continued growth of our men’s basketball program as we collectively work toward returning it to the upper echelon of college basketball,” said Woodson in a release.
“Sometimes, that commitment can result in some very difficult decisions, and that is the case today. Ultimately, I believe that the fit must be right with a coaching staff, and I’ve decided that a change is necessary.”
“I appreciate everything Dane has done as a member of the staff during the last year and as player for our program. He will always be a part of the Hoosier family and I wish him well in his future pursuits.”
In his lone season as an IU assistant, Fife helped the Hoosiers return to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2016. He released a brief statement on Twitter on Wednesday evening.
“I love IU with every part of my soul and grateful to those that gave me this opportunity,” Fife wrote. “Most importantly, I am honored to have worked with the players on our team. They dug deep, never gave in, and will forever be remembered for their accomplishments. I became an Indiana Hoosier 25 years ago. I’m a Hoosier today… And I’ll be a Hoosier tomorrow. Go IU!”
There were rumors surrounding the team suggesting some of the assistant coaches did not have a strategic voice and/or differences in opinion regarding the direction of the program.
Fife’s departure might not be the only opening Woodson has to fill. Assistant coach Yasir Rosemond has been rumored to be a candidate for new Louisville coach Kenny Payne’s staff. Payne was Woodson’s connection to Rosemond when he was hired by IU last spring.
Fife was hired by Woodson last April following ten seasons at Michigan State under Tom Izzo.
The Clarkston, Mich. native was a guard at IU for Bob Knight and Mike Davis from 1998 to 2002. He helped lead IU to the 2002 national championship game and was the Big Ten’s Defensive Player of the Year that season.
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