With Darian DeVries’ track record of success, including guiding this year’s West Virginia team to a respectable 19-12 record entering Big 12 Tournament play, it’s no surprise his name is coming up as high-profile coaching jobs open up. DeVries’ consistent ability to build competitive teams has made him a hot commodity, especially with vacancies at two of the Big Ten’s most storied programs — Iowa and Indiana — capturing national attention.
His name is getting mentioned on media/fan sites for both jobs, as they cite his past success at Drake and his amazing work at WVU.
For DeVries, an Iowa native, the speculation about Iowa’s head coaching job is understandable. Fran McCaffery has held the position for 15 years, and while he’s publicly stated he has no intention of leaving, coaching tenures have a way of ending quickly when the fanbase or administration grows restless.
The challenge for Iowa is financial. Between McCaffery’s buyout, DeVries’ contract at West Virginia, and the guaranteed money a new coach would demand, Iowa would need to come up with roughly $35 million to make the transition happen. Add in the growing need for NIL money to stay competitive in the Big Ten, and Iowa’s path to DeVries becomes complicated.
That’s why Indiana might be the more realistic landing spot for DeVries — if he’s interested. Indiana has deep pockets and a storied history, even if the program hasn’t lived up to its legacy in recent decades. The Hoosiers’ five national titles, eight Final Fours, and 69 NCAA Tournament wins still rank among the best in college basketball history. But since Bob Knight’s departure in 2000, the program has struggled to find sustained success.
Mike Davis briefly revived the program, leading Indiana to the national title game in 2002, but the Hoosiers haven’t been back to the Final Four since. A revolving door of head coaches — Kelvin Sampson, Tom Crean, Archie Miller, and most recently Mike Woodson — has left Indiana searching for stability and a return to national prominence. Woodson’s decision to step down has opened the door for a fresh start.
DeVries would bring a proven track record of player development and winning to Bloomington. His ability to maximize talent and create a disciplined, well-rounded team makes him an attractive candidate.
The challenge, of course, is competition. Indiana’s coaching search is expected to draw interest from current Big Ten coaches, high-profile mid-major names, and former Indiana players with deep ties to the program.
Indiana represents a high-risk, high-reward opportunity for DeVries. The fanbase is passionate but demanding. Success would make him a hero in one of college basketball’s most historic programs; failure would make him the latest in a line of coaches who couldn’t revive the Knight-era magic.
For DeVries, the question might come down to comfort versus opportunity. Iowa represents home and familiarity, but Indiana offers the chance to build a legacy. Both return him to his Midwest roots.
If DeVries wants to take the leap, Indiana might be the perfect place to make his mark.
But then again, he’s off to a great start at WVU, the fans love his style and brand of basketball and have hopes that he can lead the land of “Country Roads” to an eventual Final Four — and national title.
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