ESPN Considers New Name in West Virginia Search

ESPN’s Jeff Borzello released his latest analysis on the upcoming college basketball coaching carousel on Tuesday. Borzello mentioned the usual names of Mark Byington (James Madison), Niko Medved (Colorado State), Dustin Kerns (App State), Darian DeVries (Drake), etc. for the West Virginia job.

Borzello also added that there’s speculation regarding Mississippi State HC Chris Jans. It’s unknown how involved WVU is with Jans.

Jans is currently in his second season at MSU after mid-major stints at Bowling Green and New Mexico State. Jans took NMST to the NCAA Tournament three times (2018, 2019, 2022). Jans picked up one win in March Madness over 5-seed UConn in the first round of the 2022 tournament. While at Mississippi State, Jans has recorded a 40-25 record over two seasons, coaching the Bulldogs to the NCAA Tournament last season. As of Tuesday, Mississippi State is projected to make the tournament once again, according to ESPN bracketologist Joe Lunardi.

Jans would be a cultural fit for West Virginia out of the current Power-5 coaches. If WVU wants to avoid the up-and-coming mid-major route, they could get involved with Jans and try to poach him away from Starkville, Ms.

West Virginia will evaluate interim HC Josh Eilert’s job at the conclusion of the season as the Mountaineers participate in the Big 12 Conference Tournament.

WV Sports Now will continue to provide updates on West Virginia’s coaching search throughout the upcoming weeks.