In a major move that’s sending waves through the college basketball world, veteran coach Darian DeVries has officially accepted a contract offer from Indiana University worth a reported $15.3 million. The deal, which spans five years, marks a new chapter for both DeVries and the Hoosiers as the storied basketball program seeks a return to national prominence.DeVries, 49, had been the head coach at Drake University since 2018, where he built a reputation as one of the most consistent and innovative coaches in mid-major basketball. Under his leadership, Drake became a perennial contender in the Missouri Valley Conference, making multiple NCAA Tournament appearances and earning DeVries Coach of the Year honors on several occasions.
In a press conference on Tuesday afternoon, DeVries expressed excitement about the opportunity and laid out his immediate priorities for Indiana basketball.
“It’s an honor to join a program with such a rich tradition and passionate fan base,” said DeVries. “Indiana has all the tools to compete at the highest level, and I’m committed to building a culture of hard work, accountability, and excellence.”
Immediate Plans for the Program
As part of his announcement, DeVries revealed several key initiatives for the upcoming season:
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Recruiting Overhaul: He plans to revamp Indiana’s recruiting strategy, focusing on versatile, high-IQ players who fit his up-tempo, defense-oriented system.
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Player Development Focus: DeVries emphasized a renewed commitment to player development, with a particular eye on elevating Indiana’s younger talent into impactful contributors.
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Staff Restructuring: While he hasn’t yet named his full coaching staff, DeVries hinted at bringing in a mix of familiar faces from Drake and seasoned assistants with Big Ten experience.
A Turning Point for Indiana
Indiana’s basketball program, once a dominant force in college hoops, has struggled to find consistency in recent years. The university’s athletic director, Scott Dolson, called DeVries “the right leader at the right time.”
“We conducted a national search and were impressed not only by Darian’s track record but by his vision for Indiana basketball,” Dolson said. “We believe he’s the coach who can return us to national contention.”
The $15.3 million deal includes performance-based incentives tied to NCAA Tournament appearances, conference championships, and academic success.
What’s Next
With the offseason underway, all eyes will be on DeVries as he begins the transition to one of the most high-profile coaching positions in college basketball. The first test will be shaping the 2025-26 roster, retaining top talent, and attracting new recruits who buy into his system.
Fans in Bloomington are hopeful that this marks the beginning of a new era—one where Indiana once again becomes a powerhouse in the Big Ten and beyond.