College Basketball
Indiana Basketball: Was Darian DeVries The Wrong Head Coaching Hire For The Hoosiers?
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Indiana basketball made its latest coaching move by hiring Darian DeVries, a seasoned mid-major winner with a reputation for player development and program-building. But the early reaction from fans and media has been mixed. He’s not a flashy hire. He wasn’t the top name on most hot boards. And questions remain about whether he can handle the expectations in Bloomington.
So let’s break it down: was this a smart long-term play—or a swing and a miss?
Darian DeVries Coaching Record and Strengths
DeVries has a clear track record:
- Six straight 20-win seasons at Drake
- Three NCAA Tournament appearances
- 19-13 in his lone season at West Virginia, including wins over Gonzaga, Kansas, and Iowa State
He runs a modern offense, develops players well, and knows how to win without elite talent. He’s also got strong roots in the Midwest, which should help on the recruiting trail.
Why Some Indiana Fans Are Skeptical of DeVries
- This hire didn’t generate much buzz. And in a program like Indiana, that matters.
- He’s never led a major program with huge expectations. The gap between Drake (and even WVU) and Indiana in terms of pressure, expectations, and scrutiny is massive.
- He left West Virginia after just one year. That raised red flags. Fran Fraschilla even criticized him for “cutting and running.”
The fanbase wanted someone bigger. Scott Drew was the dream. Mick Cronin was a hope. Brad Brownell and Ben McCollum were at least names. DeVries feels like a backup plan.
Indiana Basketball Coaching Search Fallout
Here it is…. Darian DeVries openly admitting this was done during the season. There’s no denying they flat out held Tucker back to save him for next season at Indiana. pic.twitter.com/SqqifxH8Pi
— Ben Booth (@TheBenBoothShow) March 19, 2025
The timing raised eyebrows. Some believe Indiana had conversations with DeVries while he was still coaching at West Virginia. Meanwhile, his son Tucker played just eight games before a shoulder injury ended his season. He averaged nearly 15 points before being shut down for surgery.
That led to speculation—fair or not—that the decision may have also been about preserving eligibility in case his father left. After Darian took the Indiana job, Tucker hit the portal and is now set to follow him to Bloomington. The optics aren’t great.
The program needed a win—not just on the court, but in the media and with boosters. This didn’t feel like one.
Can Darian DeVries Win Big at Indiana?
He might make Indiana competitive again. Maybe get them back to the NCAA Tournament. But Indiana fans aren’t looking for bubble appearances. They want to matter again. Top-four seeds. Final Fours. Banners.
DeVries hasn’t shown he can do that. Not yet. Maybe not ever.
Final Thoughts on the Darian DeVries Indiana Hire
Darian DeVries is a good coach. That’s not in question. But Indiana basketball needed something more than “good.” It needed ambition. It needed momentum.
Right now, this hire feels safe—and safe doesn’t win titles.
