Wren Baker Says He Won’t Rush into Decision on WVU Basketball Coaching Hire…

Wren Baker Says He Won’t Rush into Decision on WVU Basketball Coaching Hire…

 

Morgantown, W.Va. – With the West Virginia University men’s basketball program at a crossroads, WVU Athletic Director Wren Baker is making one thing clear: there will be no rushed decisions when it comes to hiring the program’s next head coach.

 

In the wake of the coaching vacancy, following a turbulent season and the departure of interim head coach Josh Eilert, Baker addressed the situation this week, emphasizing his commitment to a deliberate, thoughtful search process.

 

“I understand how passionate our fans are and how important basketball is to this university and this state,” Baker said. “But this is a decision that will have long-term implications for the program, and it’s not something we’re going to rush.”

 

Baker, who took over as athletic director in 2022, faces one of his most high-profile decisions yet. The men’s basketball program, long considered a cornerstone of WVU athletics, is looking to rebuild after a challenging season that saw struggles on and off the court.

 

“This hire isn’t just about wins and losses,” Baker added. “It’s about finding a leader who can build a culture, connect with the community, and guide our student-athletes on and off the court.”

 

The search for a new head coach comes at a time when the college basketball landscape is shifting dramatically. With the transfer portal, name-image-likeness (NIL) deals, and increased media attention on recruiting, hiring the right coach is more critical than ever.

 

“We’re navigating a new era of college athletics,” Baker said. “We need someone who understands that and can adapt, while also embracing what makes West Virginia unique. That takes time to evaluate.”

 

While no official shortlist has been released, Baker said he and his team are casting a wide net and speaking with a diverse pool of candidates. According to sources close to the athletic department, several coaches with experience at the Division I level — both from major conferences and rising mid-majors — have expressed interest in the position.

 

“We’ve had a lot of inbound interest, and that speaks to the respect people have for WVU basketball,” Baker said. “But we’re not going to be influenced by outside pressure or social media buzz. We’ll make the decision when the time is right.”

 

In the meantime, Baker stressed that he’s focused on supporting the current roster and ensuring continuity for the players who are navigating uncertainty.

 

“These young men deserve stability,” he said. “We’re doing everything we can to keep communication open and make sure they feel supported while we go through this process.”

 

As fans wait for updates, Baker asks for patience and trust.

 

“We know what this program means to Mountaineers everywhere,” Baker said. “We’re going to get this right—not fast, but right.”