Darian DeVries contract details released: Average annual salary of $3 million

The world learned on Sunday that former Drake men's basketball coach Darian DeVries would be headed to Morgantown, W.Va. for his next coaching opportunity.

It turns out he'll be getting paid quite well to do so.

The details of DeVries' contract with West Virginia were made public on Tuesday, with the contract set to pay DeVries an average of $3 million over the course of the next five years, with an extension available based upon his initial performance.

DeVries' contract is set to begin on April 1, 2024, and the Mountaineers are set to pay DeVries $2.8 million for his first season at the helm. DeVries' pay will then increase by $100,000 each passing year. For the final season of his contract in 2028-29, DeVries will earn $3.2 million.

For comparison, DeVries first-year contract would have made him the 46th-highest paid coach in Division 1 during the 2023-2024 season and the ninth-highest paid coach amongst the 16 teams that will comprise the Big 12 beginning in the 2024-2025 season.

The contract also contains au "Automatic Extension Clause" that could extend DeVries' contract provided he meets certain goals during his first two years in charge.

Provided WVU can earn a top-six finish in the Big 12 standings after conference tiebreakers during either the 2024-2025 or 2025-2026 season, it will trigger a one-year extension 2029-30 season which will pay DeVries an additional $3.3 million.

If DeVries bolts for a new job before his contract ends, WVU will be owed 37.5 percent of his remaining salary. If DeVries is terminated before the end of his set tenure for performance-related issues, WVU will be obligated to pay a 75 percent buyout for DeVries' remaining salary. However, a clause in the contract will offset the buyout if he is hired by a new employer. In that case, WVU will cover the variance between his current and future salary if he earns less with his next gig.

The contract also contains bonuses for meeting certain achievements, such as conference titles, NCAA Tournament trips, attendance goals, and more.