Darian DeVries has officially been named the new head coach of Indiana University, following the announcement made by the school on Tuesday. DeVries recently concluded his first and only season at West Virginia, where he led the Mountaineers to a 19-13 record, including a 10-10 finish in the Big 12 Conference. Despite a respectable season, West Virginia was unexpectedly excluded from the NCAA Tournament, which has led to speculation about DeVries's future in coaching and the opportunity at Indiana.
Before his time at West Virginia, Darian DeVries enjoyed significant success during a six-year tenure at Drake University. There, he compiled an impressive record of 150 wins and 55 losses, guiding the Bulldogs to three NCAA Tournament appearances. Under his leadership, Drake secured two Missouri Valley Conference tournament championships and claimed the regular-season title once. This track record made DeVries an attractive candidate for many programs, including Indiana.
In his statement, DeVries expressed his excitement about joining Indiana's basketball program. “This is unquestionably one of the top jobs in America,” he said. Growing up in the Midwest, he has always admired Indiana for its rich tradition, championship-level success, and passionate fan base. DeVries emphasized his commitment to building a championship culture at Indiana, stating, “I'm excited for this opportunity and am ready to work relentlessly to assemble a staff and a roster that competes for championships.”
Darian DeVries replaces Mike Woodson, who announced in February his decision to step down from the head coaching position at his alma mater. During Woodson’s tenure, Indiana had a mixed record of 82 wins and 53 losses overall, with a conference mark of 41-39. The Hoosiers experienced ups and downs, reaching the NCAA Tournament in Woodson's first two seasons but failing to qualify in the last two years, leaving fans with high expectations unmet.
Indiana's decision to hire DeVries is seen as a setback for West Virginia. The Mountaineers, who faced public outcry over their NCAA Tournament snub—described as a “miscarriage of justice” by West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey—now find themselves seeking a new head coach once again. Following the abrupt end of Bob Huggins’ 16-year tenure, interim coach Josh Eilert struggled, finishing the season with a 9-23 record.
As DeVries embarks on this new chapter at Indiana, he will face the challenge of restoring the program's prestige and competitiveness in the Big Ten and NCAA tournaments. Indiana Athletic Director Scott Dolson expressed confidence in DeVries, stating, “Darian has a plan for building a championship culture that can compete at the highest level on a year-in, year-out basis.”
With new leadership in place, both Indiana and West Virginia are at pivotal moments in their basketball programs, each aiming to navigate the complexities of collegiate athletics and emerge stronger in the coming seasons.
