NCAAB News: Former Drake HC Darian DeVries breaks silence after joining Indiana Hoosiers

Despite being unable to compete in the upcoming NCAA Tournament, the Indiana Hoosiers are not wasting any time looking ahead, securing the hiring of their new head coach. After his successful stint at Drake and West Virginia, Darian DeVries adds a new chapter to his career.

The news was confirmed by college sports journalist Pete Thamel, who, through his official X (formerly Twitter) account, provided more details regarding the arrival of the successful coach to the Hoosiers.

“Sources: Indiana is targeting West Virginia coach Darian DeVries to be the next coach, sources tell me and @jeffborzello. DeVries spent one year at WVU, where he went 19-13 and got snubbed from NCAA Tournament. He led Drake to three NCAA tournaments in four years,” Thamel reported via @PeteThamel.

Once his arrival at the program was confirmed, DeVries broke his silence, stating that he feels he is facing one of the most important challenges of his career.

Head coach Darian DeVries of the West Virginia Mountaineers looks on in the first half during a college basketball game against the Houston Cougars at the WVU Coliseum on January 29, 2025 in Morgantown, West Virginia.

“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,” DeVries announced via Alec Lasley.

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“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. On top of that, the alignment is there on a department and university level to make that happen. I’m excited for this opportunity and am ready to work relentlessly to assemble a staff and a roster that competes for championships.”

Scott Dolson’s confidence in DeVries

Hiring a new coach for a program can represent a significant risk if expectations are not met. Despite this, Indiana Hoosiers Athletic Director Scott Dolson stated that DeVries meets all the requirements to lead the program forward.

“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,“ he started.

“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. He has extensive D-1 coaching experience that includes 15 trips to the NCAA Tournament as a head coach or as an assistant. This past season at West Virginia, he inherited a last-place Big 12 team with no significant contributors returning, and managed to more than double its win total despite a pair of significant season-ending injuries. Finally, he is passionate about the opportunity to lead our program. We are excited to welcome Darian and the entire DeVries family to our Hoosier family.”

DeVries’ great tenure at Drake and West Virginia

Before the HC DeVries arrived, Drake had struggled for six consecutive seasons, including three years with fewer than ten wins. In his first season, he led the team to a 24-10 record and a conference championship. DeVries is responsible for three of the seven all-time NCAA Tournament appearances for Drake, marking the school’s first trip since 2008.

Darian DeVries’ impressive six-year tenure at Drake earned him the head coaching position at West Virginia last offseason. Over those six years, he posted a 150-55 record. Under his leadership, the Bulldogs captured one regular season title, two conference tournament championships, and made three NCAA Tournament appearances. The team earned No. 10, 11, and 12 seeds, but were eliminated in the first round each time.