Indiana men’s basketball assistant coach Dane Fife is leaving the program after one season under head coach Mike Woodson’s coaching staff, per an original report by Jeff Rabjohns of Peegs.com and a confirmation email by Indiana Athletics on Wednesday.
In the release, Woodson stated he is committed to doing what is best for the program's growth as he works toward returning it to the upper echelon of college basketball. Indiana went 21-14 and broke a six-year NCAA Tournament drought in Woodson and Fife's first season together.
“Sometimes, that commitment can result in some very difficult decisions,” Woodson said. “Ultimately, I believe that the fit must be right with a coaching staff, and I’ve decided that a change is necessary.”
Fife played for the Hoosiers between 1998-2002 and averaged a career-high 8.7 points per game in his senior season. He then came back to Bloomington as a graduate assistant between 2003-05 and was an associate head coach for the Michigan State men’s basketball program under head coach Tom Izzo from 2011-21.
“I appreciate everything Dane has done as a member of the staff during the last year and as (a) player for our program,” Woodson said. “He will always be a part of the Hoosier family and I wish him well in his future pursuits.”
