For the second consecutive offseason, West Virginia is in need of a new head coach. Darian DeVries, who was hired just a year ago, has left Morgantown to take the same position at Indiana, leaving WVU scrambling for a replacement. The departure comes just two days after the Mountaineers were left out of the NCAA Tournament field on Selection Sunday.
This marks the program’s second coaching search in 12 months, following the abrupt departure of Bob Huggins in June 2023. Huggins, a legendary figure in West Virginia basketball, was forced to resign after being arrested and charged with driving under the influence. WVU turned to assistant coach Josh Eilert as an interim solution, but that move was never intended to be permanent.
Last year, DeVries and his staff had to build a roster from the ground up. With another coaching change, the team may face the same challenge this offseason. Constant turnover can severely impact a program and frustrate fans, making stability a key priority in this search.
Here are some potential candidates for the Mountaineers’ next head coach:
Jerrod Calhoun (Utah State)
Calhoun is a strong candidate with deep ties to West Virginia. He served as an assistant under Bob Huggins from 2007 to 2012 before moving on to a head coaching position at Division II Fairmont State. He later took over at Youngstown State in 2017, where he turned a struggling program into a consistent competitor.
Despite never leading Youngstown State to an NCAA Tournament, Calhoun’s coaching potential was recognized by Utah State, where he delivered a 26-win season and an at-large tournament bid in his first year. Known for his adaptability, he has tailored his coaching style to his roster’s strengths, implementing innovative defensive strategies.
At 43, Calhoun brings a blend of youth and experience, making him an appealing choice for WVU. His familiarity with the program and track record of success at multiple levels position him as a top contender.
Will Wade (McNeese)
Wade has been a prominent name in recent coaching searches, proving his abilities with a strong run at McNeese. The Cowboys are heading to their second straight NCAA Tournament under his leadership.
Wade’s coaching resume includes stops at Chattanooga, VCU, and LSU, where he built competitive teams before facing NCAA violations related to recruiting infractions. While his past controversy is a consideration, his coaching success is undeniable.
One concern for WVU is whether Wade is already in discussions with other schools, such as NC State. Additionally, if hired, he may not stay in Morgantown for long if he quickly finds success. After DeVries’ short tenure, WVU may prefer a coach with stronger ties to the program.
Ben McCollum (Drake)
McCollum has a proven track record of winning at every level. Before taking the Drake job, he dominated Division II, winning four national championships at Northwest Missouri State. In his first season at Drake, he won 30 games and led the team to both the Missouri Valley regular season and tournament titles.
However, McCollum is known for being selective about job changes. He spent years in Division II before making the move to Drake, which suggests he values stability. Additionally, while he has achieved success, his recruiting experience at the high-major level is limited.
Chester Frazier (West Virginia Associate Head Coach)
An internal candidate, Frazier has experience as an assistant at Illinois, Kansas State, and Virginia Tech. He is highly regarded as a recruiter and could provide much-needed stability after a turbulent few years. However, his lack of head coaching experience might be a drawback.
Another potential internal option is Erik Martin, who spent 15 seasons as a WVU assistant under Huggins before taking the head coaching job at South Carolina State in 2022. While he has started to build momentum in the MEAC, making the jump to the Big 12 would be a significant challenge.
Scott Cross (Troy)
Cross has found success at multiple mid-major programs. At UT Arlington, he compiled a 72-33 record over his final three seasons before an unexpected dismissal. Since taking over at Troy, he has led the team to four consecutive 20-win seasons, culminating in an automatic NCAA Tournament bid.
Though not as high-profile as other candidates, Cross is well-respected among his peers. If Troy manages an upset in the NCAA Tournament, his name could quickly gain traction in coaching searches.
Other Considerations
Two notable names, Niko Medved (Colorado State) and Ryan Odom (VCU), have already been linked to other openings. WVU may have entered the search process too late to secure them.
With the Mountaineers facing yet another coaching transition, securing a leader who can bring long-term stability will be crucial.
