Indiana and West Virginia have had a very active recent 48 hours, and it is only getting crazier. Both programs were snubbed from the NCAA tournament for a UNC team that clearly did not deserve to be in, both teams have declined any sort of postseason tournament, and now both teams are being linked in a whole new way.
With Indiana's season officially over, their sole focus is now on finding their next head basketball coach. With Mike Woodson now retiring and stepping down as the head coach, the Hoosiers are looking for their future and who can lead this team back to an NCAA Tournament without sitting on pins and needles wondering if they will get in.
With the news of Woodson retiring, so many names have been thrown out to lead this historic program back to the top where they belong. Many have been asked and denied and now with the basketball season coming to a close in a few weeks, solid candidates are emerging. Candidates like Clemson's Brad Brownell, Drake's Ben McCollum, NcNeese's Will Wade and now one new candidate that no one saw coming.
Fellow snubbed head coach Darian DeVries, who has spent just one season with the Mountaineers has now reportedly emerged as Indiana's newest head coach candidate.
West Virginia's Darian DeVries has emerged as one of - if not the top candidate for the Indiana job - source told @TheFieldOf68.
— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanHoops) March 18, 2025
I'm told by sources that nothing is done yet, but that DeVries could wind up being the guy. Drake's Ben McCollum and a third "mystery" candidate…
Through all the controversy and fallout of from Selection Sunday two days ago, now DeVries is linked to Indiana in another manner as a new candidate for the job opening. DeVries came to West Virginia last season coming from Drake, where he spent six seasons and comprised a 150-55 record, two Missouri Valley Conference Championships, and three NCAA Tournament appearances.
DeVries had a solid first season at West Virginia with a 19-13 record and before the bracket was revealed, his team was practically a lock in the tournament, hence the controversy of not getting in. However, if Indiana wants to get DeVries in the building they will probably have some competition.
Big Ten rival Iowa is also in the market for a new head coach since firing long-time coach Fran McCaffery last week. DeVries was a top candidate last year before West Virginia brought him in and now after having a solid first year in a very tough conference, the Hawkeyes would love to bring him in as well.
If Indiana wants to get DeVries in the building, now is the time as both programs are done for the season and nothing is holding them back.