Darian DeVries officially named West Virginia men's basketball coach: "I'm honored to lead this historic program."

The West Virginia athletic department released a statement announcing now-former Drake men's basketball head coach Darian DeVries will take the same position for WVU, becoming the 23rd coach in program history.

According to the release, DeVries has signed a five-year contract with WVU, although the exact details of the deal are yet to be announced.

"I'm honored to lead this historic program which has an outstanding tradition and passionate fanbase," DeVries said. "Gamedays in the WVU Coliseum are legendary, and the incredible support for Mountaineer Basketball is known nationwide. I look forward to building on the success of the program."

DeVries finishes his tenure at Drake having coached six seasons, guiding the Bulldogs to 20+ wins each year -- his time at Drake accounts for over half of the 20+ win seasons in program history. In the past four seasons, his program managed 25+ wins and three NCAA Tournament appearances, including a 2024 tournament appearance. His record as a head coach is 150-55 (.732), and he was named a two-time Missouri Valley Conference Coach of the Year during his tenure.

This marks the second basketball hire at the school for WVU athletic director Wren Baker, who brought current women's head coach Mark Kellogg aboard last summer. Under Kellogg's guidance this season, the women's team is 25-7 and awaits a Round of 32 NCAA Tournament matchup after bouncing Princeton in the first-round. Baker's comments on Sunday reflect a man who expect his newest hire will be equally as successful.

"Coach DeVries is a phenomenal basketball coach and an even better person and possesses all the qualities we desired in the next leader of our men's basketball program," Baker said. "His teams play hard and smart and are efficient on both ends of the floor. He has proven to be a strong recruiter and developer of players but even more importantly, a leader with integrity who develops character in the young men he coaches."

It is expected that DeVries' son, multi-time Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Year Tucker DeVries, will follow his father to Morgantown -- he averaged 21.6 points, 6.7 rebounds and 3.6 assists this past season.

"I would like to thank President Gee and Wren Baker for extending me this wonderful opportunity," the elder DeVries said. "My family and I are honored and thrilled to be a part of Mountaineer Nation. We have heard so many great things about West Virginia and its people, and we can't wait to get there."