West Virginia recently hired Drake basketball coach Darian DeVries to lead their team out of a challenging period. DeVries, who signed a five-year contract, comes with an impressive background, having been named the Missouri Valley Conference coach of the year twice and leading Drake to the NCAA Tournament three times. During his six seasons at Drake, DeVries amassed a 150-55 record, with the Bulldogs achieving at least 25 wins in four consecutive seasons. He replaces interim coach Josh Eilert, who took over after the departure of Hall of Fame coach Bob Huggins and led the team to a disappointing 9-23 record.
DeVries, who expressed excitement at the opportunity to coach at West Virginia, is known for developing players, strong recruiting skills, and instilling character in the young men he coaches. His success at Drake, including a school record-tying 28-win season and a 30-1 home record over the past two years, made him an attractive choice for the Mountaineers. Athletic director Wren Baker sought a coach with a successful Division I track record, as the team has struggled in recent years with multiple last-place finishes in the Big 12 conference and minimal NCAA Tournament appearances.
Before coaching at Drake, DeVries served as an assistant at Creighton for 17 years, where he contributed to their 12 NCAA Tournament appearances. His son, Tucker, was Drake’s leading scorer this past season, while his brother is a former NFL player. DeVries has a strong connection to the Midwest, having played college basketball as a guard at Northern Iowa. Under his leadership, Drake athletics have flourished, both on and off the court, leaving a lasting positive impact on the program.
DeVries’ arrival at West Virginia signals a new era for the program, which has a storied tradition and dedicated fanbase. As the team aims to improve its performance in the Big 12 and compete on a national level, DeVries brings a winning mentality and a commitment to building on the program’s successes. His experience as a successful coach and mentor, along with his appreciation for the university and the surrounding community, make him a valuable addition to the Mountaineers.
Drake will now begin the search for a new head coach to fill the vacancy left by DeVries. Athletic director Brian Hardin praised DeVries for his contributions to the university and the basketball program, stating that he had elevated the team to new heights both on and off the court. DeVries’ departure marks the end of a successful chapter at Drake, but also represents a new opportunity for the next coach to continue building on the strong foundation that DeVries established during his tenure.
Overall, DeVries’ hiring at West Virginia represents a significant step forward for the program as they look to move past a challenging period and strive for success in the competitive world of college basketball. With DeVries’ proven track record of success, dedication to player development, and commitment to building a winning culture, the Mountaineers are poised to make significant strides under his leadership in the coming seasons.
