WVU’s Coaching Search Narrows to Calhoun and Medved

MORGANTOWN, West Virginia — As West Virginia University’s men’s basketball program navigates yet another coaching search, Athletic Director Wren Baker is expected to finalize the hiring decision shortly. The Mountaineers are reportedly focused on two key candidates: Jerrod Calhoun from Utah State and Niko Medved from Colorado State, following the departure of Darian DeVries to Indiana after just one season.

With DeVries’ tenure lasting merely a year, WVU is seeking a candidate who can bring stability to the program, which has seen significant turnover recently following the exit of Bob Huggins in 2023. Baker acknowledged the urgency of the situation, stating, “I think this is a coaching search that we can execute pretty quickly.”

Calhoun has established a strong coaching pedigree, having led Fairmont State to a Division II national championship game before revitalizing the Youngstown State program. His tenure at Utah State has seen the Aggies earn an NCAA tournament bid in two of the past three seasons, including a solid 26-7 record this current season. His ties to West Virginia make him a compelling fit, with support from local donors who value his connection to the university.

“We built a family at Youngstown State, and I want to continue that legacy wherever I go,” Calhoun said recently, hinting at his desire to return to his roots. His understanding of the local basketball culture could be beneficial as WVU seeks to re-establish itself in a competitive landscape.

Niko Medved, on the other hand, has played a crucial role in turning the Colorado State Rams into a consistent NCAA tournament participant, achieving three tournament appearances in the last four seasons. His coaching prowess was on display as he guided the Rams to their highest ranking in the AP Top 25 in school history. He’s known for maximizing the potential of his players under adverse conditions.

“My goal is to create environments where players can excel,” Medved stated during a recent post-game interview. His connections to Morgantown through his wife, who hails from the area, possibly enhance his standing as a candidate.

Baker’s strategy in this search appears to focus not just on performance but also on cultural fit. He indicated that potential hires must align with the university’s values. Both Calhoun and Medved have proven track records, yet their fits at WVU could depend on administrative preferences regarding familiarity and local connectivity.

Other candidates have also emerged, including Chester Frazier, a current WVU assistant coach known for his defensive tactics, and Ben McCollum from Drake, who is reportedly a front-runner despite interest from other major programs. McCollum’s success has garnered attention, but his potential return home to Iowa may complicate Baker’s plans.

“I’m focused on the task at hand and don’t want to delve into future plans,” McCollum said recently, emphasizing his commitment to his team amidst ongoing speculation.

As the search progresses, it is clear that the Mountaineers are prioritizing a candidate who can not only stabilize the program but also foster community engagement and support. The decision will likely be made soon, with the aim of revitalizing WVU basketball.