West Virginia Basketball On The Hunt For New Coach Again

For the third consecutive offseason, the West Virginia men's basketball program is in search of a new head coach. Darian DeVries, who was recruited for the position on March 24, 2024, is set to depart after one season, reportedly to take the head coaching job at Indiana. This abruptly leaves the Mountaineers reassessing their strategy for rebuilding a competitive team after a tumultuous transition period following the exit of the long-time coach Bob Huggins, who stepped down in June 2023 after sixteen years in charge.

DeVries' departure comes just days after West Virginia's uncertain postseason fate was finalized. Despite a respectable season where the Mountaineers won 19 games, their hopes were dashed when they lost in the Big 12 Tournament to 16th-seeded Colorado, ending their bid for an NCAA Tournament berth. The Selection Committee controversially deemed them the first team out, opting instead for teams like North Carolina and Xavier.

This latest shift puts WVU in a familiar position as they prepare to conduct their third coaching search in as many offseasons. The urgency is palpable, as athletic director Wren Baker prepares to build a candidate list that reflects the shifting landscape of college basketball, and there are whispers about potential replacements already gaining traction.

One name prominently discussed is Will Wade, the current head coach at McNeese State, who has been recognized for his success at the power conference level, having previously led LSU. His name surfaced almost immediately following DeVries' exit. ESPN analyst Fran Fraschilla stated, "Seriously, get Will Wade on Line 1 right now. Perfect fit." However, Wade is reportedly close to finalizing a contract with North Carolina State, which further complicates West Virginia's search for a seasoned leader.

In addition to Wade, attention has turned to Jerod Calhoun, head coach at Utah State, who previously served as an assistant under Huggins from 2007 to 2012. Calhoun brings to the table a successful track record, including a 26-7 record this past season with the Aggies and a solid background in coaching, making him a viable contender should the university look internally for familiarity.

There’s also Drake’s Ben McCollum, who comes highly regarded with a remarkable 30-3 record in his inaugural season with the Bulldogs. McCollum has a noteworthy coaching pedigree, having led his team to both regular season and tournament championships within the Missouri Valley Conference.

Other potential candidates include Niko Medved from Colorado State, Ryan Odom from VCU, and Chester Frazier, West Virginia’s associate head coach, who has deep roots and experience within the conference. Each brings unique strengths that could positively impact the Mountaineers and the community.

The backdrop of this search continues to be rooted in the legacy of Bob Huggins, who defined the era of Mountaineer basketball prior to his abrupt resignation. His absence has forced the West Virginia program to grapple not only with finding a replacement but also establishing a new identity.

Historically, the coaching position at West Virginia has seen six previous instances of one-year tenures, including John Purinton and James Jenkins in the early 1900s, and more recently, Josh Eilert in 2024, who acted as an interim coach after Huggins left. However, the challenge remains significant; finding a coach who can stabilize the program amid continued rumors and coaching bids from surrounding teams, like the movement of Wade to NC State, emphasizes the instability of the current situation.

As WVU gears up for yet another coaching hunt, fans hope for a candidate who not only understands the competitive nature of Big 12 basketball but also resonates with the rich culture of the Mountaineer program. The urgency to finalize a decision comes amid off-season changes and expectations from the fanbase eager to return the team to its prior glory.

In light of these developments, the Mountaineers need to act swiftly to ensure they attract the right talent, capable of leading their men’s basketball program into a new era that honors its past while looking to the future.