West Virginia named Drake basketball coach Darian DeVries on Sunday to help lead the Mountaineers through one of the most dire periods in school history.
Athletic Director Len Baker said DeVries has signed a five-year contract. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. DeVries’ hiring came three days after Drake was eliminated in the first round of the NCAA Tournament by Washington State.
“Coach DeVries is a phenomenal basketball coach and an even better human being, and he has all the qualities we were looking for in the next leader of our men’s basketball program,” Baker said. “His teams play hard and smart and are efficient on both ends of the floor. He has proven to be excellent at recruiting and developing players, but more importantly, he builds character in the young men he coaches. It’s about being an honest leader who develops.”
Defending champion Yukon continues March Madness dominance with dominance over No. 9 Northwestern
DeVries, 48, is a two-time Missouri Valley Conference Coach of the Year. He compiled a 150-55 record in six seasons and led Drake to March Madness three times. Drake won at least 25 games for four consecutive seasons. The Bulldogs tied a school record for wins this season, finishing with a record of 28-7.
Drake’s home record over the past two seasons was 30-1, tied for FAU’s best Division I record.
DeVries will replace Josh Eilert, who was hired on an interim basis following the departure of Hall of Fame coach Bob Huggins last summer. Due to a number of player departures, injuries and other disruptions, the Mountaineers finished last in the Big 12 with a record of 9 wins and 23 losses. This is a school record and the fewest wins since an 8-20 win over Gail Catlett in 2001-02. Final season.
Drake University head coach Darian DeVries is seen on the sideline during the second half of a first-round college basketball game against Washington State in the NCAA Tournament on March 21, 2024 in Omaha, Nebraska. (AP Photo/Charlie Neighborgal)
“I am honored to lead this historic program with an outstanding tradition and passionate fan base,” DeVries said in a statement. “Game days at the WVU Coliseum are legendary, and the Mountaineer is known nationally for his great support of basketball. I look forward to building on the program’s success.”
Baker wanted a coach with a track record of success in DI. West Virginia last reached the Final Four in 2010, but hasn’t been doing so well lately, finishing last in the Big 12 three times since 2019 and qualifying for the NCAA Tournament twice in the last six seasons. West Virginia has never won a Big 12 regular season or tournament title.
Baker also wanted the new coach to understand both the culture and history of the university and the rural state, which has no professional sports franchises.
“We’ve heard so many great things about West Virginia and its people, and we can’t wait to get there,” DeVries said.
DeVries’ son, Tucker, a junior, was Drake’s leading scorer this season with 21.6 points per game. DeVries’ younger brother is former Detroit Lions defensive end Jared DeVries.
Prior to joining Drake, DeVries was an assistant at Creighton for 17 years. The Blue Jays made 12 appearances in the NCAA Tournament during that time.
DeVries played four seasons as a guard under Eldon Miller at Northern Iowa.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Drake announced Sunday night that the search for his next coach will begin immediately.
“The litmus test for any departing employee is, ‘Did I leave better than I left?'” Drake athletic director Brian Hardin said in a statement. “It is easy to say that Darian DeVries has put our men’s basketball program and athletics department in a great position during his six years at Drake.
“Darian has led the Drake men’s basketball team to new heights on the court while establishing an elite culture off the court. He has been a great mentor to the men in the men’s basketball program over the past six years. He was a great representative of our department. We thank Darian for his leadership and wish him every success in his next journey.”
