It’s not unusual for a coach to leave for a bigger program, a better contract, or a stronger NIL pool. However, it is rare for a coach to depart just one year after landing his first Power Four head coaching job to take over at a blue-blood program. That’s exactly what happened with Darian DeVries, who joined West Virginia from Drake last spring but is now headed to Indiana.
Javon Small – not a fan of Darian DeVries pic.twitter.com/w705WN0p0o
— KangEerRoo (@KangEerRoo) March 19, 2025
We want fraz!!!! https://t.co/4MqKCnMnLl
— Sencire Harris (@SencireH) March 19, 2025
— KJ Tenner (@emersontenner3) March 18, 2025
😔😔😔😔
— Ofri Naveh (@OfriNaveh) March 17, 2025
While some may have seen the move coming, it still surprised many West Virginia players. Javon Small, Eduardo Andre, Sencire Harris, KJ Tenner, and Ofri Naveh quickly reacted to the news on social media. Meanwhile, players like Joseph Yesufu, Amani Hansberry, Aden Tagaloa-Nelson, Toby Okani, Jayden Stone, Abraham Oyeadier, and Haris Elezovic have yet to comment publicly.
The coaching change has already impacted recruiting, as the Mountaineers lost two members of their 2025 signing class—Kelvin Odih and Trent MacLean—who both requested a release from their National Letter of Intent. This leaves WVU with just one signee, Braydon Hawthorne, a Beckley native who finished his prep career at Huntington Prep.
With DeVries now heading to Indiana, the transfer portal will immediately open for West Virginia’s roster, giving players the option to explore other opportunities.
Be the first to comment