Jon Scheyer, the Coach of the Duke Blue Devils, Creates History by Winning the ACC Coach of the Year Award
In the world of college basketball, where prestigious awards are a testament to excellence, few accomplishments carry as much weight as being named ACC Coach of the Year. The Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) has long been regarded as one of the premier college basketball conferences, home to some of the most storied programs in the sport, including Duke, North Carolina, Syracuse, and Virginia. To stand out as the best coach in such a competitive field is no easy feat, but Jon Scheyer, the head coach of the Duke Blue Devils, managed to achieve this historic milestone in 2025 by winning the ACC Coach of the Year award.
Scheyer’s victory not only acknowledges his skill as a tactician and motivator but also highlights the immense success of his tenure as head coach, which began just two years ago after the legendary Mike Krzyzewski retired. In this article, we will take a deeper look at Scheyer’s journey, the challenges he faced, and how his coaching philosophy and leadership propelled Duke to new heights in his second season. We will also examine the significance of his historic achievement and what it means for the future of Duke basketball.
A New Era at Duke: Jon Scheyer’s Transition to Head Coach
When Mike Krzyzewski, one of the most successful and iconic figures in college basketball history, announced his retirement in 2022, the future of Duke basketball seemed uncertain. Krzyzewski, who had been with the Blue Devils for over four decades, had built a dynasty that included five NCAA championships, numerous ACC titles, and an abundance of NBA talent. Under his leadership, Duke became synonymous with excellence, and following his departure, it was unclear whether Duke could maintain its status as a perennial powerhouse.
Enter Jon Scheyer, a former Duke player who had been on Krzyzewski’s coaching staff for several years. Scheyer’s promotion to head coach was a natural decision, given his deep understanding of the program, his previous experience as an assistant coach, and his connections to the Duke culture. Scheyer had been a key figure in Duke’s success during the 2010s, playing for the Blue Devils from 2006 to 2010, and had quickly risen to prominence as one of the top assistant coaches under Krzyzewski.
When Scheyer took the helm in 2022, there were a lot of unknowns. Would he be able to fill Krzyzewski’s shoes? Could he replicate the same level of success that had become synonymous with Duke basketball? While Scheyer inherited a program with a rich history, he also faced the pressure of maintaining that legacy and living up to the high expectations that came with it.
In his first season as head coach (2022-2023), Scheyer showed that he was more than capable of leading Duke to success. The Blue Devils finished with a strong 27-9 record, winning the ACC tournament and earning a No. 5 seed in the NCAA Tournament. Duke’s run to the Sweet 16, coupled with the rapid development of young talent, demonstrated that Scheyer had a strong grasp of both strategy and player development.
However, it was in his second season (2023-2024) that Scheyer truly proved himself as one of the premier coaches in college basketball. Under his leadership, Duke emerged as a juggernaut in the ACC, finishing the regular season with a 28-4 record and claiming the top spot in the conference. This remarkable performance, coupled with an exciting style of play that emphasized up-tempo offense and aggressive defense, made Scheyer’s squad one of the most dominant teams in the nation.
The Road to the ACC Coach of the Year Award
Winning the ACC Coach of the Year award is no easy task, especially in a conference as competitive as the ACC. Each year, the award is given to the coach who has had the most success in leading their team to a strong performance during the regular season. In 2025, Jon Scheyer’s achievement was even more significant due to the considerable amount of competition he faced for the honor. Coaches like Tony Bennett (Virginia), Leonard Hamilton (Florida State), and Jim Boeheim (Syracuse) were all contenders, but it was Scheyer who ultimately took home the prestigious award.
Several factors contributed to Scheyer’s historic achievement, with the most prominent being his ability to adapt his coaching style to the strengths of his roster. In the 2023-2024 season, Scheyer’s squad boasted a balanced lineup of experienced upperclassmen and highly-touted freshmen, creating a dynamic mix of talent that could compete at the highest level. Duke’s game plan under Scheyer featured an emphasis on versatility, with multiple players capable of contributing in various roles. This allowed the Blue Devils to excel both offensively and defensively, making them a formidable opponent for any team in the conference.
One of Scheyer’s most notable accomplishments was his ability to develop and maximize the potential of his young players. In particular, Scheyer played a pivotal role in the development of five-star freshmen such as Nate Ament, a 6’9” forward who was one of the top recruits in the nation, and Mason Mitchell, a guard with incredible playmaking ability. These freshmen were expected to be a key part of Duke’s future, and under Scheyer’s leadership, they quickly adjusted to the rigors of college basketball and became vital contributors to the Blue Devils’ success.
Ament’s development was particularly impressive, as he not only contributed to Duke’s offense but also helped solidify the team’s defense. His versatile skill set allowed Scheyer to deploy him in multiple roles, and the young forward quickly became one of the best players in the ACC. Meanwhile, Mitchell’s court vision and ability to create for others elevated the entire team, making him a key asset in Duke’s fast-paced offensive system.
Another key factor in Scheyer’s success was his ability to integrate transfer players into the program. The addition of transfers like Jalen Washington, a forward from Kansas, and Zach Moore, a point guard from Texas, helped provide additional depth to the Duke roster. These veteran players brought leadership and experience to the team, allowing Scheyer to balance the talents of the young freshmen with the experience of the transfers.
Duke’s ability to win close games was also a testament to Scheyer’s coaching acumen. Throughout the season, the Blue Devils faced several tough matchups, including against traditional powerhouses like North Carolina, Virginia, and Louisville. Despite these challenges, Scheyer’s team managed to remain calm and composed in high-pressure situations, securing narrow victories and finishing with a remarkable 28-4 record. This ability to close out games and perform in clutch moments was one of the hallmarks of Duke’s season and a key factor in Scheyer’s recognition as the ACC Coach of the Year.
The Significance of Scheyer’s ACC Coach of the Year Award
Jon Scheyer’s victory as the ACC Coach of the Year represents more than just a personal achievement. It also marks a new chapter in the history of Duke basketball. When Krzyzewski retired, many wondered how Duke would adjust to life after one of the greatest coaches of all time. Would the program remain at the top, or would it take a step back? Scheyer’s win signifies that Duke basketball is in capable hands and that the program is on solid footing moving forward.
Scheyer’s coaching philosophy is built on the foundations of discipline, player development, and teamwork—principles that were at the heart of Krzyzewski’s success. Scheyer has taken these principles and added his own modern twist, blending traditional basketball values with a progressive approach that embraces the changing landscape of college basketball. His ability to adapt to the evolving game while maintaining the core values of Duke basketball is a big reason why the Blue Devils have flourished under his leadership.
The ACC Coach of the Year award also highlights Scheyer’s ability to recruit and develop top-tier talent. His success in recruiting high-level players, including five-star freshmen and experienced transfers, speaks to his ability to identify and develop talent. As Duke continues to attract elite prospects, Scheyer’s reputation as a coach who can develop and maximize the potential of his players will only continue to grow, ensuring that Duke remains a national contender for years to come.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Duke Basketball Under Jon Scheyer
Jon Scheyer’s win as ACC Coach of the Year is just the beginning of what could be a highly successful coaching career at Duke. With a strong recruiting class on the horizon, including some of the top high school prospects in the nation, Scheyer is poised to continue building a program that is both competitive and sustainable. His leadership, combined with the resources and support available at Duke, sets the stage for continued success in both the ACC and NCAA tournaments.
Duke fans can rest assured that the Blue Devils are in excellent hands under Scheyer. His ability to navigate the pressures of coaching at a high-profile program while maintaining the winning tradition of Duke basketball bodes well for the future. Whether it’s through his emphasis on player development, his tactical innovations, or his leadership skills, Scheyer has already proven that he is more than capable of leading Duke back to the pinnacle of college basketball.
As the 2025 season progresses and Duke looks to make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament, the legacy of Jon Scheyer as the ACC Coach of the Year will be remembered as a significant milestone in his career. With his guidance, the Blue Devils are primed for continued success, and it’s clear that Scheyer’s impact on the program will be felt for years to come.
