Darian DeVries Showed Love to Josh Eilert After WVU’s Win Over Utah

There can be awkwardness between a coach and his predecessor, but that’s just not the case for WVU’s current head coach Darian DeVries and Josh Eilert, the man he replaced. DeVries even made sure to show his respect for the longtime Mountaineer assistant coach who spent a tough season leading West Virginia on Tuesday night.

Following WVU’s 71-69 win over Utah, as Eilert ironically serves as the Utes’ interim until the conclusion of the season, DeVries took a moment to bring up his opposing coach.

“I want to give credit to Josh (Eilert) and how he has his team ready in a tough situation. He’s one of those good guys in this profession,” said DeVries about Eilert after the game.

WVU HC Darian DeVries showed love to Josh Eilert after the game:

“I want to give credit to Josh (Eilert) and how he has his team ready in a tough situation. He's one of those good guys in this profession.”

— Mike J. Asti (@MikeAsti11) March 5, 2025

Eilert almost pulled off a big win for Utah, one that may have meant a lot to him personally. He almost forced his former school to have to sweat out Selection Sunday. But instead, DeVries’ Mountaineers were able to hang on and likely solidify an NCAA Tournament bid.

WVU also beat Utah 72-61 in early February when Eilert made his return to Morgantown, granted he was only an assistant at that time. Eilert was then named Utah’s interim head coach on Feb. 24 when the Utes decided to part ways with Craig Smith.

DeVries also had glowing thins to say about the man he replaced prior to the first matchup.

“I don’t know him real well, but the short time that I had, he’s a really, really good guy,” DeVries said at the time. “I’m happy for him that he got another opportunity at Utah.”

Eilert had been with West Virginia’s program for 17 seasons after following Bob Huggins from Kansas State. He was promoted to a main assistant coaching role in 2022. West Virginia finished 9-23 last season with Eilert as the interim head coach and he was hired as an assistant coach at Utah in June.