The Duke Blues’ coach, Jon Scheyer, makes history by winning the coveted ACC Coach of the Year award.

Jon Scheyer’s rise to prominence within the world of college basketball has been meteoric, but it’s his accomplishments as the head coach of the Duke Blue Devils that have cemented his place as one of the brightest minds in the sport today. His receipt of the coveted Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Coach of the Year award in 2025 is not just a personal achievement but also a testament to his leadership, strategy, and ability to carry the legendary legacy of Duke basketball into the next generation. This milestone marks a new chapter in both his career and in the storied history of the Blue Devils.

From Player to Coach: The Scheyer Journey

Jon Scheyer’s journey into the coaching realm was never a question of if, but when. A star player at Duke, Scheyer left his indelible mark on the program during his four years as a Blue Devil from 2006 to 2010. His leadership, versatility, and basketball IQ were key components of Duke’s 2010 NCAA Championship victory, where he played a pivotal role. Scheyer’s tenure at Duke as a player was defined not only by his ability to perform on the court but also by his capacity to understand the nuances of the game. It was clear that he wasn’t just a player; he was a student of the game, a characteristic that would prove invaluable in his transition to coaching.

Upon finishing his playing career, Scheyer pursued professional basketball overseas and in the NBA D-League. But as the years went on, it became apparent that Scheyer’s passion for the game extended beyond simply playing it. The experience he gained both on and off the court provided the perfect foundation for his return to Duke, this time as a coach. In 2014, Scheyer joined Mike Krzyzewski’s staff as an assistant coach, quickly earning a reputation for his strategic mind, his ability to develop players, and his knack for connecting with athletes.

When Krzyzewski announced his retirement in 2022 after 47 years as Duke’s head coach, the search for a successor began. Many eyes turned to Scheyer, a natural choice for a program that prided itself on continuity and preserving its culture. In April 2022, Scheyer was officially named the 20th head coach of the Duke Blue Devils. The transition was not without its challenges, as any coaching change at a blue-chip program like Duke would be, but Scheyer’s deep understanding of what it meant to wear the Blue Devils uniform allowed him to take the reins with confidence.

A Historic 2024-2025 Season

Scheyer’s first season as head coach (2022-2023) was a step toward building a sustainable future for the program, but it was in the 2024-2025 season that he truly showcased his abilities as a head coach. The team had gone through some growing pains, with a young roster that was learning to play at the highest level of college basketball. Yet, under Scheyer’s stewardship, the Blue Devils found their rhythm and dominated the ACC in a way that had not been seen since the early days of Coach K’s tenure.

The 2024-2025 season was one of those rare years where everything clicked. Scheyer’s squad was filled with an exceptional blend of talent, from veteran leaders to young, budding stars. The team had a mix of experienced players who had learned under Krzyzewski and newcomers who were eager to make their mark. The Blue Devils finished with an outstanding record, securing the ACC regular season title and heading into the NCAA tournament as one of the favorites.

One of the standout stories of the season was Scheyer’s ability to develop his players. Many players showed marked improvement under his coaching, with notable performances from several individuals who emerged as potential future NBA draft picks. The likes of freshman phenom A.J. Griffin, sophomore standout Kyle Filipowski, and junior point guard Tyrese Proctor each had breakout seasons under Scheyer’s tutelage. The program’s focus on both offensive and defensive balance was evident in their play, with the Blue Devils leading the conference in multiple statistical categories, including points per game, assists, and turnovers.

Defensively, Scheyer’s Blue Devils were a nightmare for opposing teams. The Blue Devils were relentless in their full-court press and half-court defense, with schemes designed to keep opposing offenses off-balance. Scheyer emphasized team defense, positioning, and individual accountability—principles he had learned from his days playing under Krzyzewski. His team’s ability to lock down opponents in key moments, particularly in close games, played a significant role in their dominance throughout the ACC season.

Offensively, Scheyer incorporated a system that blended the traditional Duke style of play—up-tempo, fast breaks, and high basketball IQ—with modern innovations. His offense was based on spacing, ball movement, and using player strengths to their fullest potential. He leaned heavily on creating mismatch opportunities, particularly using his taller players in the post while still allowing his guards to create open shots on the perimeter. His emphasis on pace and tempo put pressure on opponents and helped Duke outmatch teams across the ACC.

The ACC Coach of the Year Award

Given the Blue Devils’ remarkable season and Scheyer’s leadership, it came as no surprise when he was named the ACC Coach of the Year for the 2024-2025 season. The award is a significant accomplishment, particularly for a coach who had only been at the helm for three seasons. The ACC is one of the most competitive and storied conferences in college basketball, with a long list of legendary coaches who have dominated its history. Winning the ACC Coach of the Year in such a prestigious conference is no small feat.

The announcement of Scheyer’s win was met with widespread praise across the college basketball world. Analysts, former players, and coaches alike lauded Scheyer’s ability to turn a group of talented but untested players into a cohesive, championship-contending team. His strategic acumen, combined with his ability to relate to and develop his players, made him the clear choice for the award. Furthermore, his ability to maintain Duke’s basketball identity while also adapting to the evolving landscape of college basketball only added to the admiration he received.

Scheyer’s accomplishment also highlighted his ability to handle the pressure that comes with being the head coach at a school like Duke, where expectations are sky-high every season. The weight of following in the footsteps of Mike Krzyzewski, one of the greatest coaches in college basketball history, is considerable, but Scheyer had shown time and again that he was more than up to the challenge. His respect for the program’s history, coupled with his fresh perspective, allowed him to maintain Duke’s winning tradition while also giving it a new identity under his leadership.

Leadership Beyond the Court

One of the most striking aspects of Jon Scheyer’s tenure as head coach has been his leadership style. While his tactical and strategic acumen are well-recognized, it’s his approach to leadership that sets him apart. Scheyer’s coaching philosophy revolves around building relationships with his players, not just as athletes, but as individuals. This human-first approach has earned him the trust and respect of his players, many of whom have spoken highly of his ability to listen, understand, and help them both on and off the court.

In interviews, Scheyer often speaks about the importance of instilling values such as accountability, discipline, and selflessness in his players. He’s a coach who believes that success on the court begins with character development off it. His players have responded to this ethos, with many expressing how much they’ve grown not only as basketball players but as individuals. This relationship-building has fostered a tight-knit team dynamic, where players hold each other accountable and play for one another—a key element in the Blue Devils’ successful season.

Scheyer’s leadership style also extends to the broader Duke basketball program. He has worked tirelessly to maintain the culture of excellence that has defined Duke for decades, ensuring that the program’s standards remain high. He’s not just focused on winning games but also on shaping the future of the student-athletes he coaches, preparing them for life beyond basketball.

The Impact on Duke and College Basketball

Jon Scheyer’s achievement in winning the ACC Coach of the Year award signals a new era for Duke basketball. It’s an era that blends the program’s rich history with a modern approach to coaching and player development. While the shadow of Coach K will always loom large over the program, Scheyer’s success suggests that Duke basketball will continue to thrive under his leadership. His ability to adapt to the changing landscape of college basketball while keeping the Blue Devils competitive at the highest level is a testament to his skill as a coach.

Moreover, Scheyer’s success has ripple effects across the college basketball landscape. The way he has built his team—through a mix of recruiting talent, player development, and creating a winning culture—offers a model for other programs looking to emulate Duke’s success. His emphasis on defense, teamwork, and character development sets him apart from other coaches, positioning him as one of the game’s rising stars.

Jon Scheyer’s historic achievement in winning the ACC Coach of the Year award is a testament to his growth as a coach, his ability to lead a program steeped in tradition, and his unwavering commitment to developing both basketball players and individuals. This achievement marks a significant moment in the history of Duke basketball, signaling that, under Scheyer’s guidance, the Blue Devils are poised for continued success in the years to come.