Kerr Kriisa 'really happy' for Josh Eilert being named interim coach, per report

Former West Virginia guard Kerr Kriisa has a difficult decision ahead of him on where he will play next season after recently entering the NCAA transfer portal. His move came in light of all the current events surrounding the Mountaineers program currently. The most recent event was the promotion of assistant coach Josh Eilert to the position of interim head coach. Following the institution’s decision, Kriisa gave his thoughts on the move to Eilert to lead the program. According to college basketball insider Jeff Goodman, the former Mountaineer is “really happy” Eilert got the job.

It has been a wild off season for West Virginia and Kriisa. Shortly after the end of the season, Kriisa decided to hop into the NCAA transfer portal, leaving the Arizona Wildcats for his new home in West Virginia. But he has since begun to question following the series of unfortunate events surrounding former head coach Bob Huggins. Huggins abruptly retired from the program following his second off-the-court incident this offseason.

While Kriisa is currently in the transfer portal, that does not mean that West Virginia has lost his services. As Goodman continued, he provided a little more background into what Kriisa is thinking along with his decision window.

“Kriisa went in transfer portal yesterday, but said he will take a little time to think about the situation with everything that has happened in last 10 days or so,” said Goodman via Twitter.

West Virginia announces Josh Eilert to serve as interim head coach for 2023-24 season

West Virginia has announced the decision to name Eilert the interim head coach for the 2023-24 season. He’ll step in for Bob Huggins, who resigned earlier this month.

Eilert has been on the West Virginia staff for the last 15 seasons, serving as director of basketball operations before moving into an assistant coach role. He has never been a head coach, but appears ready to take over the Mountaineers for at least one season in the wake of Huggins’ resignation.

“Josh Eilert is the right person to lead our men’s basketball program next season,” West Virginia athletic director Wren Baker said in a statement. “He has been an important part of our success, and he has displayed great integrity, work ethic and dedication. He has been involved in all facets of our program during his time on the basketball staff, and he has earned this opportunity to coach our team on an interim basis for the 2023-24 season.

“Our athletics department will provide Josh, his staff and our student-athletes with a great support system and will do everything we can to ensure a successful season. Change is never easy and always presents challenges, but I am confident that this is the correct decision at this time. Moving forward and continuing our preparation for the upcoming season is the top priority now for our program.”