Mike Woodson Biography: Michael Dean Woodson born March 24, 1958 is a former professional basketball player and coach. He played college basketball under legendary coach Bob Knight at Indiana University from 1976 to 1980. As a junior and team captain, Woodson helped lead the Hoosiers to victory in the 1979 NIT Tournament and earned first-team All-Big Ten honors.
Mike Woodson Biography
Michael Dean Woodson, born on March 24, 1958, is an American basketball coach and former professional player, currently serving as the head coach of the Indiana Hoosiers men’s basketball team. A standout at Indiana University, he earned Big Ten Player of the Year honors in 1980. Woodson went on to play 11 seasons in the NBA, suiting up for several teams throughout his career. After retiring as a player, he transitioned into coaching, holding roles with multiple NBA teams, including head coaching positions with the Atlanta Hawks and New York Knicks. Renowned for his disciplined yet forward-thinking approach, Woodson blends traditional fundamentals with an emphasis on teamwork and data-driven strategies. He is married to Terri and the couple has two daughters. Woodson’s career reflects a deep commitment to the game, highlighted by leadership, mentorship, and a lifelong dedication to basketball excellence.
Mike Woodson Biography 2025 Details
| Born | March 24, 1958 (age 67) Indianapolis, Indiana, U.S. |
| Listed height | 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) |
| Listed weight | 225 lb (102 kg) |
| High school | Broad Ripple (Indianapolis, Indiana) |
| College | Indiana (1976–1980) |
| NBA draft | 1980: 1st round, 12th overall pick |
| Drafted by | New York Knicks |
| Playing career | 1980–1991 |
| Position | Shooting guard |
| Number | 44, 42, 2 |
| Coaching career | 1996–present |
| Category | Football Biographies |
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About Mike Woodson
Michael Dean Woodson is a former professional basketball player and coach. With coach Bob Knight’s Indiana Hoosiers, Woodson played collegiately from 1976 to 1980. As a junior team captain, his Hoosiers won the 1979 NIT Tournament and he was named to first team All-Big Ten.
Mike Woodson Achievements
That same year, he captained the U.S. basketball team to a gold medal at the 1979 Pan American Games. In his senior season, alongside teammate Isiah Thomas, Woodson guided Indiana to a Big Ten championship and a Sweet Sixteen appearance in the NCAA Tournament. He was named the 1980 Big Ten Player of the Year, earned NABC All-American recognition, and received the Chicago Tribune Silver Basketball award. Among Indiana Hoosiers, he ranks fifth in total career points, and his 19.8 points per game average is tied with Calbert Cheaney.
Mike Woodson Wiki
- Born: 24 March 1958 (age 67 years), Indianapolis, Indiana, United States
- Teams coached: Indiana Hoosiers men’s basketball (Head coach, since 2021), New York Knicks (Head coach, 2011–2014)
- Spouse: Terri Woodson
- Education: Indiana University Bloomington, Broad Ripple High School
- Date joined: 1980 (New York Knicks)
- Height: 96 m
- Children: Mariah Woodson, Alexis Woodson
Early Life and Prep Career
Michael Woodson was born in 1958 in Indianapolis, Indiana, as the second youngest of 12 siblings. His family faced significant financial hardships, compounded by his parents’ poor health. The Woodsons frequently moved, often squeezing all 14 family members into small two- or three-bedroom homes. His father, Chester, worked multiple jobs—delivering pianos, managing laundromats, and mowing lawns—to support the family.
Tragically, Chester passed away from a heart attack when Michael was just 13. Reflecting on his father’s relentless work ethic, Woodson once said, “He worked himself to death.” Following his father’s death, the strain on the family led them to live in separate households. Michael spent a year with his eldest sister before moving back in with his mother, Odessa, a nurse. He helped support her financially, giving her half of each paycheck.
Mike Woodson’s Contract
Mike Woodson, head coach of the Indiana men’s basketball team, received a $1 million annual raise, according to an IU Athletics announcement. His contract, originally signed in 2021, has been extended for an additional four years, with an annual salary of $4.2 million. This significant raise highlights the university’s dedication to Woodson and emphasizes his crucial role in shaping the program’s future.
Mike Woodson’s Contract History
When Mike Woodson was named head coach of the Indiana Hoosiers men’s basketball team on March 28, 2021, he signed a six-year contract valued at roughly $3 million per year. The deal included a base salary of $550,000, with the remaining $2.45 million coming from external sources such as marketing and promotional activities. Woodson’s contract also includes performance-based bonuses, including $100,000 for finishing in the top three of the Big Ten and another $100,000 for achieving an APR score higher than 950.
Mike Woodson’s Net Worth 2025
Mike Woodson, born on March 24, 1958, in Indianapolis, has a net worth of $25 million. With a successful 11-season NBA career followed by a transition into coaching, notably with the Atlanta Hawks and New York Knicks, Woodson’s wealth reflects his achievements both on the court and as a coach.
Mike Woodson’s Career Earnings
Woodson’s career earnings are a testament to his success as both a player and coach. During his time in the NBA, he earned a considerable salary, including $658,000 ($1,476,189 adjusted for inflation) with the Houston Rockets during the 1991-92 season. His earnings have only grown with his coaching career, where his current contract averages $4.2 million per year, along with additional income from endorsements and outside ventures.
Mike Woodson’s Salary
Mike Woodson saw a significant salary increase when Indiana announced a $1 million annual raise, extending his contract through the 2026-27 season. His new deal averages $4.2 million annually, a $1 million increase from his previous contract. This boost in salary reflects his ongoing leadership and the stability he brings to the Indiana Hoosiers basketball program.
FAQs
What is Mike Woodson’s current contract with Indiana?
Mike Woodson’s current contract with Indiana University is a six-year deal, signed in 2021, worth approximately $3 million annually. This includes a base salary of $550,000 and an additional $2.45 million from external sources like marketing and promotions.
What are the performance bonuses in Mike Woodson’s contract?
Mike Woodson’s contract includes performance-based bonuses, such as $100,000 for finishing in the top three of the Big Ten and another $100,000 for achieving an APR score above 950.
How much does Mike Woodson earn annually as Indiana’s basketball coach?
Mike Woodson’s annual salary as Indiana’s men’s basketball coach is $4.2 million, following a $1 million raise in 2023, reflecting his continued leadership of the program.
When was Mike Woodson appointed as head coach of Indiana?
Mike Woodson was appointed as the head coach of the Indiana Hoosiers men’s basketball team on March 28, 2021.
How much was Mike Woodson’s contract worth when he first joined Indiana?
Upon his appointment as head coach in 2021, Mike Woodson signed a six-year contract worth around $3 million per year, which included a base salary and additional compensation from external sources.
How has Mike Woodson’s salary changed over time?
Mike Woodson’s salary increased significantly after his first contract with Indiana, with a $1 million raise in 2023, bringing his annual earnings to $4.2 million as part of an extended contract through the 2026-27 season.