BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – Indiana University has officially announced that Darian DeVries will succeed Mike Woodson as the next head coach of its men’s basketball program. The announcement was made on March 18, 2025, marking the beginning of a new chapter for IU basketball, which is seeking stability and success following an inconsistent tenure under Woodson.
DeVries, 49, comes to Indiana with an impressive coaching pedigree, having spent 24 years in Division I basketball, including the last year at West Virginia and six seasons at Drake, where he transformed the Bulldogs into a respectable program.
The hiring of DeVries, who previously led Drake to three NCAA Tournament appearances over six years, has sparked optimism among the Indiana faithful looking for a revival in championship aspirations for the storied program. During his time at West Virginia, DeVries orchestrated a remarkable turnaround, leading the Mountaineers from a struggling 9-23 record in 2023-24 to a more respectable 19-13, including a solid 10-10 mark in Big 12 play.
“We went into this coaching search with some very specific things we were looking for in our next head coach, and Darian emerged as someone who, on paper, met and often exceeded our criteria,” said Scott Dolson, Indiana’s Vice President and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics. “Once we had a chance to talk to him, we knew we had the right person. Darian has a plan for building a championship culture that can compete at the highest level on a year-in, year-out basis.”
DeVries expressed his enthusiasm for the job in a statement, saying, “This is unquestionably one of the top jobs in America. As someone who grew up in the Midwest loving the game of basketball, I’ve always admired the IU basketball program for its championship-level success, tradition, and fan support. There’s a passion to succeed at the very highest levels both within the Big Ten and in the NCAA Tournament, and that’s a desire that as a coach I share.”
Previously at Drake, DeVries achieved an impressive overall record of 150-55, leading his teams to four consecutive seasons of 20 or more wins, and capturing both regular season and postseason MVC titles during his final two years. His rising success drew the attention of West Virginia, where he was hired to restore a program that faced significant challenges.
The Mountaineers' unexpected exclusion from the NCAA tournament this year following their competitive season has raised questions, with DeVries asserting, “Obviously, we are extremely shocked, saddened and disappointed with not being selected for the NCAA Tournament. We strongly believe that we have a résumé that is worthy of an NCAA Tournament team.”
Now, as Indiana looks for a fresh start, DeVries inherits a team that finished 19-13 under Woodson, who left with an 82-53 career record in his four seasons. Woodson was unable to lead the Hoosiers to the NCAA Tournament in the last two seasons.
Despite Woodson achieving some success early in his tenure, including back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances, the tumultuous end drew criticism and disappointment from fans. Indiana’s recent struggles have made DeVries’ hiring timely, as university leaders hope to breathe life into the program with a coach who has had success in building competitive teams.
As part of DeVries’ resume, he spent 20 years on the coaching staff at Creighton before his tenure at Drake, helping lead the Bluejays to a cumulative record of 460-211 and 12 NCAA Tournament bids. His deep roots in the Midwest and experiences connecting with players are seen as essential assets for his new role.
In addition to DeVries, his son Tucker DeVries is also considering a transfer to Indiana after an injury-laden season at West Virginia. During his brief appearances, Tucker averaged 14.9 points per game and played a crucial role in key victories.
Despite the challenges, the DeVries family is eager to embrace the fresh beginning at Indiana, where the combination of competitive spirit and significant backing from fans offers tremendous potential. Fans of the Hoosiers, who are known for their passionate support, are awaiting what DeVries can bring to a program that has experienced growing pains for several years.
As Indiana continues to navigate its path forward, the athletic department expects a renewed focus on building a program that marries historical success with modern strategies. DeVries, armed with a solid foundation of coaching excellence, is poised to rekindle the glory days of Hoosier basketball.
