OFFICIAL: Darian DeVries Hired at WVU

West Virginia University hires Darian DeVries as the new men's basketball coach

Mar 20, 2024; Omaha, NE, USA; Drake Bulldogs head coach Darian DeVries signals while players warm up | Dylan Widger-USA TODAY Sports

Sunday night, West Virginia University Vice President and Director of Athletic Director Wren Baker announced Darian DeVries as the new men’s basketball coach. DeVries have agreed to a five-year deal.

“Coach DeVries is a phenomenal basketball coach and an even better person and possesses all the qualities we desired in the next leader of our men’s basketball program,” Baker said in a release by the University. “His teams play hard and smart and are efficient on both ends of the floor. He has proven to be a strong recruiter and developer of players but even more importantly, a leader with integrity who develops character in the young men he coaches.

“I know that he and his wife, Ashley, and their children, Tucker and Tatum, will love and embrace West Virginians and West Virginians will love and embrace them. On behalf of the Mountaineer family, I want to welcome the DeVries family to Morgantown.”

DeVries spent the last six seasons in his home state of Iowa at Drake University where he compiled a 150-55 record. He finished with 20 or more wins in each of the six years at the helm, marking the longest stretch in program history and eclipsing the three-year stretch from 1968-71.

“I’m honored to lead this historic program which has an outstanding tradition and passionate fanbase,” DeVries said. “Gamedays in the WVU Coliseum are legendary, and the incredible support for Mountaineer Basketball is known nationwide. I look forward to building on the success of the program.

“I would like to thank President Gee and Wren Baker for extending me this wonderful opportunity. My family and I are honored and thrilled to be a part of Mountaineer Nation. We have heard so many great things about West Virginia and its people, and we can’t wait to get there.”

DeVries led Drake to three Missouri Valley Conference championships, including the last two MVC tournaments. In 2021, he helped end the Bulldogs' NCAA Tournament drought with their first win in the big dance in 50 years, taking down Wichita State in the First Four.