A major coaching shake-up is looming in the college basketball world, as Iowa Hawkeyes head coach Fran McCaffery is expected to retire at the end of the season. With a 295-203 record during his tenure, McCaffery’s departure will mark the end of an era in Iowa City.
As the Hawkeyes begin their search for a new head coach, all signs point to West Virginia’s Darian DeVries being the top target. DeVries, a native Iowan, has built an impressive coaching resume, boasting a 163-62 overall record and three NCAA Tournament appearances during his time at Drake.
DeVries’ current contract with West Virginia, which pays him an average of $3 million per year, includes a buyout clause that would require the Hawkeyes to pay approximately $4.5-5.0 million to release him from his obligations. However, Iowa’s desire to bring DeVries back home may lead them to make a significant investment in their next head coach.
The appeal of returning to his home state, combined with the opportunity to coach at a Power Five program like Iowa, may prove too enticing for DeVries to resist. His personal ties to the state, including his brother Jared’s standout career as a defensive end for the Hawkeyes, only add to the likelihood of DeVries considering the position.
While DeVries has yet to publicly address the speculation, it’s clear that Iowa will aggressively pursue him once the season concludes. As the Hawkeyes look to usher in a new era of success, Darian DeVries appears to be the top choice to lead the program forward.