In a bold move that has sent shockwaves through college basketball, Indiana University has officially announced the appointment of Darian DeVries as the new head coach of its men's basketball program. The announcement was made on March 18, 2025, bringing an end to the speculation surrounding the vacancy and marking a significant shift for both DeVries and Indiana. DeVries, who has only spent one season at West Virginia, takes over a storied program that has struggled to reach its former heights. Indiana's basketball program is notorious for its rich history, having won five national championships, yet it has only advanced past the first weekend in the NCAA Tournament three times since reaching the title game in 2002.
The new head coach was hired to a six-year deal, which follows a tumultuous period for the Hoosiers. DeVries replaces Mike Woodson, a former Indiana star who announced in early February 2025 that he would step down at the end of his fourth season. Woodson led the team to the NCAA tournament in his first two seasons but faced increasing scrutiny as Indiana missed the tournament in the last two years, finishing in the bottom half of the Big Ten.
After being hired in March 2024, DeVries directed West Virginia to a respectable 19-13 record in his lone season, finishing with a 10-10 mark in the Big 12. However, this was not enough for the Mountaineers to make the NCAA Tournament, as they were snubbed despite expectations of making the field. Following the disappointing conclusion to the season, West Virginia's athletic director faced a barrage of criticism, including calls for an investigation from Governor Patrick Morrisey regarding the NCAA's decision.
DeVries spoke passionately about his new opportunity, stating, “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.” His enthusiasm for the position highlights the mounting pressure to restore Indiana to its former glory.
Interestingly, DeVries' return to Indiana, where he was previously an assistant coach at Creighton for 20 seasons, brings additional layers to the narrative. He will now lead a program looking to rebuild after years of uncertainty. The Hoosiers have experienced a significant decline, having been one of the first teams out of the tournament field, and they now enter a phase where consistent success is crucial.
In preparation for his new role, DeVries has kept a close eye on his roster, which may see the addition of his son, Tucker DeVries, who has spent the last season at West Virginia. After earning the Missouri Valley Player of the Year award in 2023 and 2024, Tucker played only eight games this season due to an upper-body injury. Indiana is expected to apply for a medical redshirt for him, potentially allowing him another year of eligibility. This development could play a significant role in DeVries' plans to reshape the Hoosiers' roster.
The financial implications of this move have also raised eyebrows. The buyout clause for DeVries’ West Virginia contract is estimated at $6.15 million, including $4.67 million due from his basketball contract alone, coupled with other associated costs. The hefty buyout reflects the urgency and stakes involved in hiring a coach who can reignite the Indiana basketball program.
As the Hoosiers embark on this new chapter, they will face fierce competition in the Big Ten, a conference notorious for its basketball history and demanding expectations. Indiana's athletic director, Scott Dolson, expressed confidence in DeVries’ ability to lead, remarking, “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.” Dolson emphasized that DeVries has a clear vision for instilling a championship culture in a program that is hungry for success.
While it remains to be seen how quickly DeVries can right the ship, the West Virginia program is now facing its own challenges. After losing DeVries, the Mountaineers find themselves looking for a head coach for the fourth time in four years. Having recently experienced instability with Josh Eilert’s interim tenure and the fallout from Bob Huggins' departure due to off-court issues, West Virginia must begin anew.
Bob Huggins may emerge as a potential candidate for rehire. His storied history with the Mountaineers includes 11 NCAA Tournament appearances and significant success during his tenure. Although Huggins left the program under less-than-ideal circumstances, some speculate a return might be viable, especially considering the program's need for stability in a tumultuous environment.
As DeVries transitions into his role at Indiana, he faces the dual challenge of reviving a historic program while contending with ongoing scrutiny. Expectations are high, not only from the school's administration but also from a passionate fanbase that has long awaited a return to prominence. In a landscape defined by fierce competition in college basketball, the coming months will be critical in determining whether DeVries can meet the aspirations set forth and stamp his authority on the program.
With a tradition steeped in competition and achievement, the Indiana Hoosiers are eager to see what lies ahead under DeVries’ leadership. Meanwhile, West Virginia's future remains uncertain, raising questions about the direction of their basketball program in the wake of yet another coaching change.
