Wren Baker, it’s your moment to step up once again. West Virginia is back in the market for a new men’s basketball coach after Darian DeVries chose to take a lucrative deal at Indiana.
While there are several qualities Baker needs to prioritize in the next hire, some are more critical than others. First and foremost, the new coach must be committed to staying in Morgantown long-term. Constant turnover will only lead to instability, preventing the program from gaining momentum. However, beyond that, the most crucial trait is the ability to build a sustainable winning team in today’s college basketball landscape.
Gone are the days of slow, multi-year rebuilds through high school recruiting. Success now hinges on excelling in the transfer portal not just in acquiring talent but in strategically blending experienced players from diverse backgrounds into a cohesive unit. Simply signing the best available players isn’t enough; there must be a clear plan for how they fit together.
Another key factor is financial acumen. Whether Nelson Hernandez remains as GM or not, the head coach must understand the financial side of roster-building knowing what can be promised, what can realistically be offered, and where to draw the line. While managing the budget isn’t his direct responsibility, a lack of awareness in this area can hinder both short-term and long-term roster construction.
This shift in college athletics is why many veteran coaches are stepping away, while younger coaches who adapt more easily to this evolving system are getting opportunities. Additionally, the next WVU coach must be able to foster relationships with key donors. DeVries, despite his brief tenure, didn’t seem to excel in this aspect, possibly due to his focus on making the most of a limited roster. Moving forward, though, donor engagement is essential. WVU must consistently maximize its revenue-sharing potential to remain competitive.
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