Darian DeVries hiring at Indiana is not without controversy.
DeVries was named the next coach in Bloomington just two days after West Virginia was snubbed from the NCAA Tournament in place of North Carolina.
The quick-moving decision led some to claim that the talks between the two sides started before the season ended, with the Hoosiers announcing Mike Woodson’s exit plan in early February.
And Mountaineers players added to the skepticism with some cryptic remarks.
Leading scorer and guard Javon Small posted laughing emojis on Instagram after the news dropped, while center Eduardo Andrew wrote “Lool” on X.
DeVries’ son Tucker, who played in just eight games for West Virginia as its second-leading scorer, is expected to follow his dad to Indiana.
Tucker, who suffered a shoulder injury, played his last game in a Dec. 6 win over Georgetown and has one final year of eligibility.
DeVries’ abrupt exit adds to a sour end to the season for West Virginia.
The Mountaineers fell off the bubble when they were shocked by last-place Colorado in the Big 12 Tournament.
West Virginia not making the NCAA Tournament was among the most surprising results of Selection Sunday, with Indiana also just missing out.
DeVries lasted just one season at West Virginia after a successful run at Drake.
He said at this introductory West Virginia press conference he expected to stay with the Mountaineers for a long time.
“It took something special for me to leave Drake,” DeVries said. “…This is a place I see myself for a very long time”
That time lasted less than a year despite signing a five-year contract.
