It has been a heartbreaking week for fans of the WVU men’s basketball program. First, the team was snubbed from the NCAA Tournament. Now, just days later, they’ve lost their head coach after only one season. Finding a silver lining may seem impossible – but perhaps this is a blessing in disguise. Read more: One and Done: DeVries Departs WVU for Indiana
Rumors of Darian DeVries leaving the program had swirled for much of the year. Initially, they were tied to his dream job at Iowa, which would have been understandable. However, his pivot to Indiana came as a surprise. The Hoosiers, as reported by ESPN, offered him a six-year, $30 million contract and are expected to pay a record-setting $6.15 million buyout to WVU.
“This is unquestionably one of the top jobs in America,” DeVries said in a statement. “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. 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.”
Notice anything missing? DeVries didn’t even mention, let alone thank, the great state of West Virginia or the university that gave him this opportunity. His words – or lack thereof – set the tone for this entire situation. Contrast that with his introductory press conference at WVU just last year:
“I’m from the Midwest, and I said it was going to take something pretty special to leave there, and when I talked to Wren [Baker], and talked to people who know this program, this place and the people here, everything about it made sense to me and my family, that this was a place that we could see ourselves here for a very, very long time.”
Apparently, in the Midwest, a “very, very long time” means 355 days.
Show Me The Money
No one is naïve – we understand this is a business. Indiana will have over $2 million more in NIL money next year and is offering DeVries a significant pay increase. The Hoosiers program is legendary in the Midwest, so his decision makes sense. But that’s exactly why WVU’s next hire needs to have ties to the state or the university, or someone who sees this job as a destination, not a stepping stone.
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His decision is already having a domino effect. Two four-star recruits, Kelvin Odih and Trent MacClean, have pulled their commitments, and more departures are likely. It wouldn’t be surprising to see some familiar names from this roster jump into the portal, with at least a few following DeVries to Indiana.
Now, WVU finds itself in the exact same spot as last year—with a full rebuild on the table.
Positive Spin
It’s better this happened now rather than three or four years down the line. DeVries was always going to leave for what he perceived as greener pastures, and when the opportunity arose, he jumped. WVU deserves a coach who is committed for the long haul.
There’s a knee-jerk reaction that Wren Baker needs to make a hire immediately. But this will be the fourth head coach in four years—this one has to stick.
Once again, the resiliency of this fanbase and program is being tested. Just a week ago, this team was poised for March Madness with a stacked roster returning next season. Now, WVU is searching for answers. And a coach. And a roster of players.
