Former Indiana men’s basketball head coach Mike Woodson released a statement on Friday, offering his first full remarks on his departure from the program. In the statement, Woodson expressed that returning to Bloomington to lead the men’s basketball program was "an honor" and a significant opportunity to represent the Hoosiers and his alma mater.

Woodson extended his gratitude to the fanbase, his family, his players, trainers, medical staff, team managers, staff members, and university professors for their support and contributions during his tenure. He conveyed his pride in watching the players he coached develop both on and off the court, highlighting the positive impact he aimed to have on their lives.

Officially, Woodson retired from the head coaching role, stepping down upon the conclusion of the 2024-25 season. The final game he coached was a loss to Oregon in the Big Ten Tournament, as the team did not receive an NCAA Tournament bid. Following his departure from Indiana, Woodson is set to become the Sacramento Kings’ associate head coach, according to reporting from ESPN’s Shams Charania. This move marks a return to the professional ranks for Woodson, who primarily held coaching positions in the NBA before his time at Indiana.