Indiana University has appointed Darian DeVries as the new head coach of its men’s basketball team, succeeding Mike Woodson. DeVries, 49, brings a wealth of experience to Bloomington, having demonstrated significant coaching acumen at both Drake University and West Virginia University.
In his sole season at West Virginia, DeVries orchestrated a remarkable turnaround, leading the Mountaineers to a 19-13 record and a 10-10 finish in the Big 12 Conference. Notably, his team secured impressive victories over top-10 opponents, including Gonzaga, Kansas, and Iowa State. Despite these achievements, West Virginia narrowly missed out on an NCAA Tournament berth, highlighting the competitive nature of the Big 12.
Prior to his tenure in Morgantown, DeVries spent six seasons at Drake University, where he transformed the Bulldogs into a formidable force in the Missouri Valley Conference (MVC). Under his leadership, Drake achieved six consecutive 20-win seasons, clinched the MVC regular-season championship in 2019, and captured MVC tournament titles in 2023 and 2024. These accomplishments earned DeVries multiple accolades, including two MVC Coach of the Year honors and recognition as the Hugh Durham Award recipient in 2019.
DeVries’ coaching journey began at Creighton University, where he served as an assistant coach for two decades. During his tenure, Creighton amassed a 460-211 record and secured 19 postseason appearances, including 12 NCAA Tournament bids. This extensive experience has equipped DeVries with a deep understanding of program development and the intricacies of high-level competition.
At Indiana, DeVries inherits a storied program with a rich tradition of success. The Hoosiers have faced challenges in recent years, including a coaching transition and a lack of NCAA Tournament appearances. Athletic Director Scott Dolson expressed confidence in DeVries’ ability to restore Indiana’s prominence, citing his proven track record and strategic vision for building a championship-caliber team.
DeVries’ immediate objectives include restructuring the roster and rebuilding trust among fans. The departure of key players like Gabe Cupps and Malik Reneau presents both challenges and opportunities for the new coach to infuse fresh talent and foster a cohesive team dynamic.
Expressing his enthusiasm for the role, DeVries stated, “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.” He emphasized his commitment to assembling a competitive team that can vie for championships both in the Big Ten and nationally.
As DeVries embarks on this new chapter, the Indiana basketball community anticipates a revitalization of the program, hopeful that his leadership will usher in a new era of success and restore the Hoosiers to theirtheir former glory.
