The primary job that West Virginia Head Coach Darian DeVries has been rumored as a front-runner for might not be as big a worry as WVU fans initially thought -- but DeVries has emerged as a front-runner with a different opening, according to college basketball insider Jeff Goodman.
HailWV site expert and RedditCFB correspondent Joseph Smith is now less worried about a potential DeVries departure compared to Monday, but highlighted that his anxiety is mostly down in regards to the Iowa opening tha DeVries was rumored as a lead candidate for.
Much of this is based upon an interview with WVU AD Wren Baker from MetroNews and sources indicating DeVries may no longer even be in the mix at Iowa and has declined to interview, which contradicts earlier reports that he was meeting with Iowa on Monday.
UPDATE: Various news over the last 18 hours from legitimate sources has changed this opinion for me a bit, and I'm feeling better about things. Still don't think WVU is out of dodge, but I'm less anxious this morning as I was yesterday. #HailWV https://t.co/oq3UcGIqqJ
— Joe Smith (@joesmithwrites) March 18, 2025
I'd also like to clarify the anxiety is down overall for worrying DeVries will leave Morgantown, but in particular, Iowa worries me less now than other potential jobs. @GoodmanHoops has the scoop on Indiana's interest and that's still wide open as I understand it. #HailWV
— Joe Smith (@joesmithwrites) March 18, 2025
Meanwhile, Goodman -- an insider with national outlet Field of 68 -- reported Tuesday morning that DeVries has emerged as a leading candidate for the opening at Indiana.
While Iowa carried appeal as the flagship university in DeVries' home state and the alma mater of his older brother and former pro football star Jared DeVries, the job doesn't quite measure up to WVU and there have been reports that financial concerns could hinder Iowa's search.
Indiana carries a much more prestigious reputation, generally recognized as a college basketball blue blood. They've demonstrated a willingness to spend big on their program in the past, and are investing heavily behind their impressive new football coach Curt Cignetti as well. They're taking athletics seriously in the financial department, have Big 10 Conference money to spend, and have a championship pedigree WVU doesn't match.
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…