Indiana University has promoted Darian DeVries to be the 31st Hoosiers head coach. DeVries comes to Indiana after a high-profile one-year stint at West Virginia University, succeeding Mike Woodson, who resigned after four years with the team.
Coaching Career and Successes
Darian DeVries, age 49, is from Aplington, Iowa, and has a long coaching background:
- Drake University (2018–2024): DeVries guided the Bulldogs to six straight 20-win seasons, earning three NCAA Tournament bids. His time was characterized by steady excellence, as the team posted a 150-55 mark.
- West Virginia University (2024–2025): In his one season, DeVries led the Mountaineers to a 19-13 record, including a key win against a top program like Gonzaga, Kansas, and Iowa State. Even with those achievements, West Virginia came close to earning an NCAA Tournament invitation.
Vision for Indiana Basketball
Showing excitement for his new position, DeVries said, “This is unequivocally one of the best jobs in America. Having grown up in the Midwest with a passion for the game of basketball, I’ve always had great respect for the IU Basketball program for its championship-level achievement, tradition, and fan base.” He reinforced his focus on creating a team that competes at the highest levels of the Big Ten Conference and the NCAA Tournament.
Administrative Support
Indiana University’s Vice President and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics, Scott Dolson, was optimistic about DeVries’ hiring: “Darian has a vision for creating a championship culture that can compete at the highest level on a year-in, Division I coaching experience that includes 15.” Dolson praised DeVries’ track record and his fit with the university’s vision for the basketball program.
Impact on Team Dynamics
The coaching transition is projected to affect team dynamics and performance:
- Player Transfers: Tucker DeVries, the son of Darian and an impressive player will likely transfer to Indiana. He was injured and had his previous season cut short at West Virginia with a shoulder injury. Adding Tucker would provide a boost to the Hoosiers’ offensive skills.
- Recruitment Strategy: DeVries’ image of building talent and creating a winning culture will be able to pull in top-level recruits, making Indiana competitive in future seasons.
Historical Context and Future Outlook
Indiana University has a rich basketball tradition with five NCAA championships and 22 Big Ten Conference championships. That said, over the last several seasons, the team has underperformed when it comes to making it beyond the initial stages of the NCAA Tournament. Bringing in DeVries is seen as a planned move to try to reposition the program for national dominance.
With DeVries taking the reins, the Hoosier community is optimistic about an increase in performance. His first season will be closely scrutinized as a signpost for the direction of the program under his leadership.
