BREAKING: Jon Scheyer, Duke Blue’s coach, makes history by winning the prestigious ACC Coach of the Year award

In a landmark achievement, Jon Scheyer, head coach of the Duke Blue Devils, has been honored with the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Coach of the Year award. This accolade not only underscores Scheyer’s exceptional leadership but also marks a significant milestone in Duke’s storied basketball history.

A Seamless Transition: From Player to Coach

Jon Scheyer’s journey with Duke began as a standout player. As a senior during the 2009-2010 season, he captained the Blue Devils to both ACC regular-season and tournament championships, culminating in an NCAA national title. His on-court vision and basketball IQ were evident, setting the stage for a future in coaching.

After a brief professional playing career, Scheyer returned to Duke in 2013 as a special assistant under the legendary Mike Krzyzewski. His rapid ascent through the coaching ranks—from assistant coach to associate head coach—highlighted his deep understanding of the game and his ability to mentor young athletes. In June 2021, Scheyer was named the head coach designate, officially taking over in April 2022 following Krzyzewski’s retirement.

Immediate Impact and Record-Breaking Debut

In his inaugural season (2022-2023), Scheyer led the Blue Devils to a 27-9 record, capturing the ACC Tournament title. Notably, he became the first coach in ACC history to go undefeated at home in their debut season and the first to secure an ACC title both as a player and a head coach.

Building on this momentum, the 2023-2024 season saw Duke finish with another impressive 27-9 record, advancing to the NCAA Tournament Elite Eight. The team’s consistent performance under Scheyer’s guidance solidified his reputation as one of the nation’s premier young coaches.

The 2024-2025 Season: Dominance and Defensive Mastery

The 2024-2025 season has been particularly noteworthy for Duke. The team clinched the ACC regular-season championship, boasting a stellar conference record. Scheyer’s emphasis on defense transformed the Blue Devils into a formidable force, leading the ACC in several defensive metrics. As of January 9, 2025, Duke averaged 16.79 assists per game with an impressive assist-to-turnover ratio of 1.63:1. This disciplined ball movement contributed to a +21.6 scoring margin, showcasing their dominance on both ends of the court.

Under Scheyer’s leadership, Duke’s defense has been particularly dominant, reminiscent of their performance under former coach Mike Krzyzewski. The team ranks second nationally in adjusted defensive efficiency and has held opponents to an average of 58.73 points per game, leading the ACC in scoring margin (+19.9) and field goal percentage defense (35.6%).

Recruiting Excellence

Scheyer’s prowess isn’t limited to in-game strategy; his recruiting acumen has been instrumental in maintaining Duke’s elite status. Despite changes in the collegiate landscape, including Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) regulations and transfer portal dynamics, Scheyer has secured commitments from top-tier talents. Notably, the 2025 recruiting class features five-star wing Shelton Henderson, who joins other elite prospects, underscoring Duke’s enduring recruitment prowess under Scheyer’s leadership.

Recognition and Future Outlook

The ACC Coach of the Year award is a testament to Scheyer’s dedication, strategic brilliance, and ability to inspire his players. His seamless transition from player to coach, coupled with his immediate success, has set a new standard in collegiate basketball.

As Duke prepares for the postseason, the Blue Devils, under Scheyer’s guidance, are poised to make a deep run, with aspirations of adding another national championship to their illustrious history.

Jon Scheyer’s journey from a championship-winning player to an award-winning coach epitomizes excellence and commitment, ensuring that the legacy of Duke basketball continues to thrive.