In April 2025, Darian DeVries, the newly appointed head coach of the Indiana Hoosiers men’s basketball team, made a significant addition to his coaching staff by bringing back Kenny Johnson, a former assistant coach under Tom Crean. This move is seen as a strategic effort to leverage Johnson’s extensive recruiting experience and deep connections within the basketball community.
Johnson’s coaching career began at Towson University in 2011–12, where he served as an assistant coach. He then moved to Indiana University from 2012 to 2014, contributing to the team’s success by helping assemble top-20 recruiting classes, including a top-five class in 2013. During his tenure, the Hoosiers achieved a 46–22 record, secured a Big Ten Championship, and earned a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament, reaching the Sweet 16 in 2013. citeturn0search4
Following his time at Indiana, Johnson continued to build his reputation as a top-tier recruiter and assistant coach. He held positions at Louisville, La Salle, and Rhode Island, and most recently, he was part of the Georgetown Hoyas’ coaching staff. Throughout his career, Johnson has coached numerous NBA players, including Donovan Mitchell, Victor Oladipo, and Josh Hart. His ability to develop talent and connect with players has been widely recognized. citeturn0search1
Johnson’s return to Indiana is expected to have a positive impact on the program, particularly in recruiting. His familiarity with the university and its basketball culture, combined with his proven track record, positions him as a valuable asset to DeVries’ coaching staff. This strategic hiring reflects DeVries’ commitment to building a competitive and successful team at Indiana.
Leave a Reply