Earlier today, HailWV reported that sources had seemed to indicate West Virginia Head Coach Darian DeVries was falling out of the running for an opening with Iowa that rumors had tied him to. At the same time, Field of 68's Jeff Goodman broke news that DeVries was emerging as a frontrunner for another big-time gig, this one at Indiana.
While nothing new has emerged regarding DeVries and his interest in Indiana, ESPN college sports insider Pete Thamel seemed to confirm earlier sources that have reported DeVries to Iowa is becoming less likely. Thamel bluntly stated his sources say that DeVries is "not a candidate" for the Iowa job, likely closing all possibilities that he will leave for his native state's flagship university and his brother's alma mater.
Sources: West Virginia coach Darian DeVries is not a candidate for the Iowa job. pic.twitter.com/yuRiOoAIsq
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) March 18, 2025
WVU Athletic Director Wren Baker also seems optimistic regarding his current men's basketball coaching situation, which he broached while speaking on MetroNews Sportsline on Monday night. Baker discussed having conversations with DeVries about what commitment is needed to continue his initial success, and that he believes DeVries knows that school is fully behind him in developing the program.
“I do feel really good about our situation here and Coach (DeVries) knows we’re committed to him and committed to continue to build the program," Baker said.
This could also be a 'smokescreen' from Baker as he knows pressure is on him during this situation and he wants to deflect too many questions. He could also know DeVries wants to stick around, or is confident because he knows his department is set up well with revenue sharing, NIL, and potential replacements.
One thing we do know now, is that if DeVries does leave Morgantown, it likely won't be for Iowa.