Indiana announced the hiring of former player Dane Fife as one of its newest assistant coaches on Monday afternoon. He helped lead IU to the 2002 National Championship game.
Fife was on staff at Michigan State for the past 10 seasons.
Here is what new IU head coach Mike Woodson had to say as well as what former players told TheHoosier.com of the Fife hiring.
Mike Woodson
“Dane is someone who I have always had the utmost respect for. His knowledge of the Big Ten and his success as a recruiter will be an invaluable asset as we look to continue building a staff that will help elevate this program to the highest levels. I know his love for the for the Hoosiers and this University comes across the moment you talk to him and we are excited to welcome back Dane, his wife Blair, and daughters Quinnly and Reagan back to Bloomington.”
Don Fischer
"I think it's an absolute Grand Slam home run hire. I've known Dane since his playing days at Indiana. He's been under one of the best coaches in the country for over a decade, not only will he help develop players, but he will help further unify Indiana basketball."
Eric Gordon
"I love the hire with Mike Woodson. I do think we're headed in the right direction with Dane Fife on staff. Ready for this staff to bring back that winning culture we're used to seeing.
Derek Elston
I tell you what .. Woodson is starting his tenure off making some serious statements when it comes to staff and what he wants to accomplish.
Brian Evans
"Thrilled to hear the announcement that Dane Fife will be joining Coach Mike Woodson's staff! Today is another great day for Indiana Basketball!!"
John Laskowski
"IU fans should be very excited about the hiring of Dane Fife! He was a great player here and has extensive coaching experience since he graduated. He and his family stopped by the Culver's in Bloomington last summer and I could tell he still loved it here and now he is back. IU is putting a great staff together and I am looking forward to watching the team play next year."
Charlie Miller
"Wow! What a great hire. Dane brings a ton of coaching experience that will help IU and Coach Mike Woodson put together something special for years to come in super excited for Coach Dane Fife. Go IU!"
Dusty May
"I couldn't be more excited for Dane and Indiana University. Dane brings so many great qualities to the program. The current staff is adding a great teammate and the players are gaining a mentor!"
Joe Hillman
"Great hire for Mike Woodson and the staff. Has done an unbelievable job of recruiting the state of Indiana for MSU. Has had 8 years to learn from a great coach in Tom izzo but the main thing is Dane fife loves IU basketball and is an IU guy. Love the hire"
Brian Sloan
"I love it! We have winners/champions back at IU!"
Collin Hartman
"Elite hire in my opinion. I've always admired and appreciated coach Fife. Looks to me like they're building an all-star bench down in B-town and I'm not even talking about the players yet."
Kirk Haston
"I think Dane Fife was the toughest competitor of any teammate I ever had and that toughness has translated to success at every stage of his career. It's an incredibly good hire and I think that vision that coach Woodson has for our program is one that all Hoosiers can get behind and all Hoosiers will enjoy watching develop on the court in the coming years."
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