The Duke Blues’ coach, Jon Scheyer, makes history by winning the coveted ACC Coach of the Year award.
In the world of college basketball, few programs have had as significant an impact as Duke University’s Blue Devils. A program that has seen legendary coaches such as Mike Krzyzewski, a figure synonymous with success in the sport, has now found itself under the guidance of Jon Scheyer, a young coach with a promising future. In 2025, Scheyer achieved an incredible milestone in his coaching career, earning the prestigious ACC (Atlantic Coast Conference) Coach of the Year award, cementing his place in Duke’s storied basketball history. This award, given annually to the best coach in the ACC, is a significant achievement for any leader, but for Scheyer, it represents not only his success in navigating the transition from player to coach but also a new era for Duke basketball.
The ACC Coach of the Year award is a symbol of a coach’s ability to inspire his team, make strategic decisions, and elevate his program to new heights. Jon Scheyer’s accomplishment comes in a season where the challenges were plentiful, but his leadership shone through. The road to this achievement wasn’t easy, considering he was stepping into the enormous shoes of Coach K, who had dominated college basketball for over four decades. Mike Krzyzewski’s retirement in 2022 marked the end of an era and the beginning of what seemed like an uncertain new chapter for the Blue Devils. However, Scheyer’s historic season demonstrates that his ability to lead and innovate was just what the program needed to continue its tradition of excellence.
Jon Scheyer’s basketball journey is nothing short of remarkable. Born in 1987 in Northbrook, Illinois, Scheyer was a standout player at Glenbrook North High School, where he gained attention for his skill and versatility. He continued to develop his talent at Duke University, where he played from 2006 to 2010. Under Coach K’s tutelage, Scheyer became one of the most accomplished players in Duke’s history. He helped lead the Blue Devils to an NCAA Championship in 2010, a season in which he earned All-American honors and was named the ACC Player of the Year. His experience on the court shaped his understanding of the game, and the lessons he learned under Coach K would prove invaluable in his coaching career.
After his playing days, Scheyer spent several years in professional basketball, playing overseas in Israel before transitioning to coaching. In 2014, he joined Duke’s coaching staff as an assistant, working alongside Coach K. His role as an assistant coach allowed him to further refine his skills, learning the intricacies of coaching at the highest level of college basketball. His ability to connect with players, his sharp basketball mind, and his deep understanding of Duke’s culture of excellence quickly earned him respect within the program.
When Coach K announced his retirement in 2021, it was Scheyer who was chosen to take the reins as head coach. His appointment was met with excitement but also some skepticism, as the pressure to fill the shoes of one of the most successful coaches in sports history was immense. However, Scheyer’s calm demeanor, combined with his extensive experience both as a player and coach, proved to be an asset as he navigated the transition into the role.
Taking over a program like Duke’s is no easy task, especially when you’re succeeding a coach with the legendary status of Mike Krzyzewski. The expectations are sky-high, and the pressure to perform is constant. In his first two seasons, Scheyer had to manage not only the typical challenges of coaching at a premier program but also the weight of following Coach K. This included maintaining the Blue Devils’ place as one of the premier programs in college basketball while navigating the intricacies of recruiting, player development, and game strategy.
In his first season (2022-2023), Duke had a solid, though not spectacular, campaign, with Scheyer quickly finding his footing as a head coach. The Blue Devils made it to the NCAA Tournament but were eliminated earlier than expected, leading to a mix of optimism and cautious evaluation of Scheyer’s future. Nonetheless, his ability to connect with players and build a culture of discipline, work ethic, and teamwork was evident from the outset. His emphasis on modernizing the team’s approach—while staying true to Duke’s principles—was apparent in his early decision-making.
By his second season, Scheyer began to truly establish his identity as a coach. The Blue Devils showed vast improvement, and by the 2024-2025 season, they were once again one of the premier teams in the country. Scheyer had crafted a team that blended experienced upperclassmen with talented freshmen, and his strategic insights began to shine. The key to Scheyer’s success was his ability to adapt the style of play to the strengths of his players. Gone were the days of rigid, traditional offense; in its place was a fluid, fast-paced game that relied on ball movement, three-point shooting, and defensive versatility.
Scheyer’s historic achievement in earning the ACC Coach of the Year award in 2025 was no accident. The 2024-2025 season saw Duke play at an elite level, with the Blue Devils finishing the regular season with one of the best records in college basketball. The team’s performance was not only a testament to Scheyer’s strategic acumen but also to his leadership, his ability to keep players motivated, and his emphasis on team-oriented play.
One of the standout aspects of this season was Scheyer’s ability to integrate his freshmen into the lineup while maintaining a level of consistency and cohesion. The team’s core players, including standout guards and versatile forwards, flourished under his guidance. The Blue Devils’ defense was one of the best in the nation, and their offense was high-powered, with a more up-tempo style that was suited to the talents of his roster.
The remarkable part of Scheyer’s success was his ability to juggle the demands of coaching at a high-profile program while also managing expectations. The Blue Devils’ success on the court, which included a dominant regular season and deep runs in major tournaments, reflected Scheyer’s impressive ability to handle both the strategy and the emotional dynamics of the team. His leadership became a defining characteristic of the 2024-2025 squad, and his growth as a coach was evident in his interactions with players, as well as his tactical adjustments during games.
The ACC Coach of the Year award was a fitting recognition of Scheyer’s hard work, dedication, and transformation of the Duke basketball program. His strategic moves, attention to detail, and commitment to player development were all critical to his success, and the honor validated his role as the future of Duke basketball.
Jon Scheyer’s success as the ACC Coach of the Year isn’t just about one season; it’s about what he represents for the future of Duke basketball. As a former player who understands the expectations, culture, and history of the program, Scheyer is uniquely positioned to lead Duke into a new era. His ability to modernize the program while staying true to its foundational values has been a key to his success. His leadership style is based on mutual respect, trust, and discipline—qualities that have long been associated with Duke basketball.
Scheyer’s success has also had a ripple effect throughout the college basketball community. Many have noted his ability to relate to players, especially in an era where the dynamics of college sports are rapidly changing. The advent of the transfer portal and NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deals have changed the landscape of college athletics, and Scheyer’s ability to manage these new challenges has been an important part of his success. His emphasis on recruiting high-character players and developing them into stars has made Duke a desirable destination for top-tier recruits.
Moreover, Scheyer’s approach to leadership and his emphasis on building strong relationships with his players has set a new standard for what it means to be a successful coach in today’s game. His success with Duke, following in the footsteps of Coach K, speaks to his deep understanding of both the game and the culture of college basketball.
Jon Scheyer’s history-making accomplishment as the ACC Coach of the Year is more than just an individual accolade—it is a symbol of his growth, vision, and leadership in transforming Duke basketball into a powerhouse once again. With his keen basketball mind, ability to adapt to the changing landscape of college sports, and his commitment to developing both players and people, Scheyer is poised to lead the Blue Devils to sustained success in the years to come.
As Duke moves forward under Scheyer’s leadership, the future looks incredibly bright. While it is still early in his career, the foundation has been laid for a new era of excellence at Duke University. In many ways, his success this season is a testament to his ability to honor the past while looking toward the future, and his impact on both the program and the college basketball world at large is only just beginning.
