West Virginia made a significant move in its men’s basketball program on Sunday, appointing Darian DeVries, the former coach of Drake, to navigate the Mountaineers beyond a tumultuous period, effectively closing the chapter on the potential return of Bob Huggins, the scandal-ridden longtime coach.
According to athletic director Wren Baker, DeVries has signed a five-year contract, although specific terms were not disclosed. This decision swiftly followed Drake’s exit from the NCAA Tournament, where they suffered a first-round loss to Washington State.
Baker expressed confidence in DeVries, stating, “Coach DeVries is a phenomenal basketball coach and an even better person and possesses all the qualities we desired in the next leader of our men’s basketball program.” He highlighted DeVries’ coaching style, emphasizing his teams’ combination of effort, intelligence, and efficiency on both offense and defense. Moreover, Baker commended DeVries’ integrity, character-building approach, and success in recruiting and developing players.
At 48 years old, DeVries boasts an impressive track record, having been named Missouri Valley Conference Coach of the Year twice. During his six-year tenure at Drake, he amassed a 150-55 record and led the team to March Madness three times.
Notably, Drake achieved at least 25 wins in four consecutive seasons, with this season culminating in a 28-7 record, tying a school record for wins. Additionally, the Bulldogs boasted an outstanding 30-1 home record over the past two seasons, rivaling FAU for the best in Division I.
DeVries steps into the shoes of interim coach Josh Eilert, who assumed the role following Bob Huggins’ departure amid controversy last summer. The Mountaineers endured a challenging season marked by player departures, injuries, and distractions, resulting in a disappointing 9-23 record and a last-place finish in the Big 12—a record number of losses for the school since the 2001-02 season.
In his statement, DeVries expressed gratitude for the opportunity, acknowledging the historic legacy and passionate fanbase of West Virginia basketball. He pledged to build upon the program’s success, particularly highlighting the legendary atmosphere of gamedays at the WVU Coliseum and the widespread support for Mountaineer basketball.
Baker’s decision to hire DeVries reflects a desire for a coach with a proven track record in Division I basketball. West Virginia, aiming to recapture past glories, has experienced recent struggles with multiple last-place finishes in the Big 12 and limited NCAA Tournament appearances.
DeVries’ ties to both basketball and family resonate strongly with his new role. His son, Tucker DeVries, a standout player at Drake, is expected to join him at West Virginia via the transfer portal. Additionally, DeVries brings a wealth of experience from his tenure as an assistant at Creighton, where he contributed to the team’s success in the NCAA Tournament.
As DeVries embarks on this new chapter, Drake begins its search for a successor. Reflecting on DeVries’ impact, Drake Athletic Director Brian Hardin praised his leadership, noting the program’s advancements both on and off the court during his tenure. DeVries leaves behind a lasting legacy, having elevated the Drake basketball program to unprecedented heights while fostering a culture of excellence and mentorship.
