Darian DeVries Joins Indiana After Quick Coaching Turnaround

Bloomington, Indiana – Darian DeVries officially left West Virginia to become the head basketball coach at Indiana University on Tuesday, marking a dramatic shift in his coaching career that has taken him to three schools in less than a calendar year.

DeVries, who previously led Drake to the NCAA tournament, accepted the West Virginia position last year before making the leap to Indiana. The move comes with significant implications, as Indiana will pay a buyout to West Virginia that includes a portion of the 2024 buyout WVU paid to Drake.

“The opportunity came along to be the head coach at Indiana, a dream job for anyone,” DeVries said during his introductory press conference. “Especially for someone that grew up in the Midwest watching the old Big 8 and Big Ten basketball.”

This rapid succession of job changes has drawn criticism from some who view it as emblematic of the hypocrisy present in college sports today. Critics argue that while coaches are free to pursue better opportunities, they often condemn players for similar decisions. DeVries’s transition highlights a growing narrative of coaches receiving significant pay raises while moving between institutions.

Prior to committing to Indiana, DeVries was reportedly in discussions with Iowa, showcasing a strategy of leveraging offers to maximize his compensation. This approach has been likened to the experiences of student-athletes, who face scrutiny for entering the transfer portal in search of better conditions and financial incentives.

“Just like many players, DeVries is pursuing the best opportunities for himself,” said Matt Hayes, senior national college football writer for USA TODAY Sports Network. “This raises an important question about the expectations placed on players compared to those placed on coaches.”

In the past year, DeVries left Drake for West Virginia and has now transitioned to Indiana, aligning with a trend where coaching stability is increasingly rare. Meanwhile, the movement of players seeking better prospects often garners public backlash, suggesting a double standard in how these decisions are perceived.

“Less than a year ago, DeVries was introduced at a press conference in Morgantown, openly expressing his desire to establish roots in the community,” Hayes commented. “Now, we see him moving once again, raising eyebrows about the loyalty of coaches in college sports.”

As he embarks on this new chapter at Indiana, it’s clear that the conversation regarding loyalty, financial gain, and the operations of college athletics continues to evolve, particularly as the lines between coaches and student-athletes blur.