Darian DeVries’ coaching ascent reflects a larger pattern: assistants under Greg McDermott often thrive in head roles. After nearly 20 years at Creighton, working first with Dana Altman and later McDermott, DeVries internalized the structure and discipline that shape winning programs.
Now preparing for his first season leading Indiana, DeVries has quickly drawn praise from Hoosiers supporters and national outlets alike. His journey highlights the effectiveness of McDermott’s mentorship, where assistants aren’t just trained.
Darian DeVries Points to Greg McDermott’s Influence in Coaching Success Story
Darian DeVries’ path from long-serving assistant to head coach offers a deeper insight into the coaching philosophy of Greg McDermott, whose influence quietly runs through some of college basketball’s most successful sidelines.
During a recent appearance on CBS Sports with analyst Jon Rothstein, DeVries acknowledged that McDermott’s approach has been central to the development of a growing number of head coaches who once served under him.
Why has Greg McDermott produced so many successful head coaches?
Darian DeVries has the answer. pic.twitter.com/DttTYIe9d7
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) June 13, 2025
“You’re kind of forced to be a head coach, if you will, in practice,” DeVries said. “He does allow you some freedom to lead drills and take some ownership in the way practice is structured and stuff.”
This hands-on responsibility, according to DeVries, isn’t just encouraged—it’s embedded into the day-to-day rhythm of the program. That level of autonomy helped prepare DeVries and others for the complexities of leading a program themselves.
DeVries joined Creighton’s staff in 1998 under Dana Altman and remained in place when McDermott took over in 2010. He was the lone assistant retained, a reflection of his value and adaptability.
Over the next eight seasons, Creighton compiled 166 wins, earned several NCAA Tournament bids, and produced a number of standout players. DeVries played a central role in that success, particularly with recruiting, backcourt development, and game preparation.
“He just does a great job of letting you kind of grow as a coach,” DeVries said. “Through practice and everything that he allows you to do and the input he allows you to have.”
McDermott not only gave his assistants room to evolve but actively encouraged it. “He tries to help you facilitate that in any way possible,” DeVries added.
While on staff, DeVries pursued other opportunities, including applying for the Drake head coaching job in 2013 and 2017. Though he wasn’t selected those years, his persistence paid off in 2018 when he was finally offered the Drake position. After a successful run there, he is now preparing for his first season leading the Indiana Hoosiers.
Speaking about Indiana’s offseason efforts, DeVries said,
“We like the way the roster came together. We added a lot of quality shooters, which is a priority for us. We were also able to bring in good positional size and great depth.”
KEEP READING: HC Darian DeVries Breaks Silence on West Virginia Snub – ‘It Was Just Really Disappointing’
The vision reflects not just his coaching growth but a continuation of principles rooted in McDermott’s system—freedom, responsibility, and trust.
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