Missouri Basketball: 7 candidates to replace Cuonzo Martin as head coach

Darian DeVries

When Cuonzo Martin was hired, he was plucked from a power conference job; technically from two straight, as he even had SEC experience. Just about every name on this list is a mid-major coach, though that doesn’t mean Missouri won’t consider some of those bigger name coaches. That being said, it’s fitting that we alphabetically get to start with DeVries, because he checks many of the boxes.

DeVries is an Iowa native who played at Northern Iowa and spent an eternity on staff at Creighton. He’s been head coach at Drake these last four years and has done marvelously with the Bulldogs, winning an MVC regular-season title, making an NCAA Tournament appearance last year, and winning over 70% of his games. DeVries is a rising name in the coaching world and will absolutely be a power conference coach someday.

The question is if Missouri wants to make that day today. DeVries has shown that he’s a solid recruiter who’s certainly familiar with the Midwest, and he has the ability to get his best out of his players. He’s had success in the MVC, much like Martin, and has won 20+ games in each of his first four seasons as head coach. For DeVries, you have to wonder if this is the opportunity to stand out or if the Tigers can find a different fit for their program.