Indiana basketball assistant Brian Walsh describes personalities, differences between Mike Woodson and Archie Miller

Brian Walsh is one of the few members of the Indiana basketball staff to work under both Mike Woodson and Archie Miller.

During an appearance on the Rising Coaches Podcast, Indiana basketball assistant coach Brian Walsh shared some insight into his time with Indiana under both coaches.

Walsh began his collegiate career at Xavier before transferring to Akron. There he was convinced to go into coaching which led to him joining Dayton as the Assistant Director of Basketball Operations. He spent one season in that role and two years as a Graduate Assistant under Archie Miller.

When Miller eventually took over as the head coach of Indiana basketball, Walsh followed him and took the role of the Director of Basketball Operations.

“The one thing I learned with Coach Miller is we don’t waste time,” Walsh said. “You have your responsibilities. You get those things done, you’re good.”

Every day under Miller was extremely organized Walsh explained. The attention to detail stood out as there was never a wasted moment as each day fit into the long-term plan created by Miller.

That plan could be focused on practices, recruiting, and many other components of coaching. The preparation and organization that Miller had have stuck with Walsh today.

“You just want to learn and grow as much as you possibly can within the game,” Walsh said about working as an assistant.

Walsh took this approach under Miller and now has taken a similar approach under Mike Woodson.

“With Coach Woodson, literally anything that he needed, I wanted to be his guy,” Walsh said.

He believes that doing as much as he can has helped him build trust and loyalty with Woodson. That approach led to Walsh being promoted to assistant coach in Woodson’s second year as head coach.

Walsh added that he has learned a lot from Woodson including some different approaches compared to his predecessor.

“The thing I admire most about him is his personality. He’s even keel,” Walsh said. “I remember the first couple of weeks on a job like, ‘Hey coach this is a big deal.’ He was like, ‘Son I was the head coach of the New York Knicks. Things are going to be alright.” 

Woodson is nothing if not calm. He has never been the loudest or most fiery coach, because that’s not who he is.

His ability to stay true to who he is and not get ahead of himself has made the players and coaches around him enjoy being around him.

“He’s more let’s take it a day at a time and not look too far ahead,” Walsh said. “His personality is contagious, he gives you confidence, he’s easygoing, fun to be around, great energy. I think the players notice a difference.”

Related: Mike Woodson used an old NBA approach, which led Indiana basketball to find success in the transfer portal this offseason

It is no secret that Mike Woodson and Archie Miller have very different approaches to coaching.

While Miller’s approach involved a more detailed and succinct long-term plan, Woodson takes everything one day at a time. He focuses on building connections and instilling confidence in the guys around him.

Walsh touched on that relationship during the interview.

“The guys love him. The guys like being around him. He’s funny, loose,” Walsh said about Woodson. “He’ll come into practice with a headband and a cut-off on. He’s just so comfortable with who he is.”

Woodson has always been himself, whether he was coaching the Atlanta Hawks, New York Knicks, or now with Indiana Basketball. 

While last season was certainly a disappointment for Indiana, Woodson has stayed true to himself and his plan for the program. Taking it one day at a time has allowed him, Walsh, and the rest of the staff to recruit one of the strongest transfer portal classes this offseason, which has led to some excitement surrounding the 2024 season. 

Walsh emphasized staying true to the process, and the Indiana Basketball transfer class is indicative of that message.

“If you do it long enough with consistency, something will go your way,” Walsh said.

SEE ALSO: Mike Woodson has been trying to emulate his Knicks style of play with Indiana basketball and thinks ‘we can this year’

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