West Virginia University Vice President and Director of Athletics Wren Baker announced today the beginning of a national search for a new head men’s basketball coach. In his statement, he thanks interim head coach Josh Eilert and his staff for their “leadership and professionalism.” While never directly addressing Eilert’s future, Baker did say that he “met with Coach Eilert, the coaching staff and the team to let them know we are moving forward with our search plans.” One can read between the lines here and infer that Eilert will not return as the head coach next season.

“As I shared last summer following our initial coaching transition, we decided to wait until the conclusion of the 2023-24 season before embarking on a full national search,” said Baker. “Upon our return to Morgantown from the Big 12 Men’s Basketball Championship, I met with Coach Eilert, the coaching staff and the team to let them know we are moving forward with our search plans. All of Mountaineer Nation owes a debt of gratitude to Coach Eilert for his leadership during a challenging season, as he and his staff faced all obstacles with class and professionalism.

 “We are now focused on our collective future, and I am excited about what comes next. We compete in the best men’s basketball conference in America, we have incredible fans and supporters, we have a history of success and we have a commitment to winning. I am confident we will engage a strong pool of candidates and identify the right leader for our program. As I shared with our student-athletes, we will move deliberately but as swiftly as we can in the days ahead.”

Eilert took over as the interim head coach back on June 24th, following the DUI arrest and subsequent resignation of Bob Huggins. West Virginia went 9-23 (4-14 Big 12) this season.