West Virginia University has announced the hiring of Darian DeVries as the new head coach of the men’s basketball team on a five-year deal. The news comes after DeVries impressive run as the head coach of Drake University, where he led the team to three NCAA Tournament appearances in six seasons. DeVries, who has a coaching record of 150-55 at the Missouri Valley Conference school, will now be taking on the challenge of leading the Mountaineers to success in the competitive Big 12 Conference.
In addition to his coaching success, DeVries will also be joined by his son, Tucker DeVries, who is a talented 6-foot-7 junior and the nation’s eighth-leading scorer. Tucker DeVries will be transferring to play for his father at West Virginia and will be immediately eligible to compete. This father-son duo brings an added level of excitement and anticipation for the upcoming season as they work together to bring success to the Mountaineers.
In a statement, Darian DeVries expressed his excitement and gratitude for the opportunity to lead the historic West Virginia basketball program. He acknowledged the program’s outstanding tradition and passionate fanbase, highlighting the legendary atmosphere of gamedays at the WVU Coliseum. DeVries also thanked President Gee and Wren Baker for extending him the opportunity and expressed his family’s eagerness to become a part of Mountaineer Nation.
The hiring of Darian DeVries comes after the departure of interim head coach Josh Eilert, who filled in for legendary coach Bob Huggins following his resignation last summer. DeVries is seen as a strong addition to the Coaching Carousel and is expected to bring a new level of energy and leadership to the program. As DeVries works to build on the success of the program, he will be supported by his wife, Ashley, and their children, Tucker and Tatum, who are eager to embrace the West Virginia community.
West Virginia Athletic Director Wren Baker praised DeVries as a phenomenal coach and person, highlighting his ability to lead and develop players both on and off the court. Baker expressed confidence in DeVries’ skills as a recruiter and his commitment to building character in the young men he coaches. With high expectations for the team’s future success, the Mountaineer family looks forward to welcoming the DeVries family to Morgantown and embracing them as integral members of the community.
The hiring of Darian DeVries is part of a larger trend in the Coaching Carousel, with several high-major programs, including Michigan, Louisville, Vanderbilt, Stanford, and Oklahoma State, also making coaching changes this offseason. As the college basketball landscape continues to evolve, the addition of DeVries brings new hope and excitement to West Virginia fans, who are eager to see how he will lead the team and build on the program’s storied tradition. With the support of the Mountaineer community behind him, DeVries is poised to make a significant impact and leave his mark on the program in the years to come. So, this seems to be a positive step towards the future of the team and we should see positive outcomes in the coming seasons.
