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A Former NBA Coach is Joining Jon Scheyer’s Duke Basketball Staff. Here’s Who.
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DURHAM, N.C. — In a move that signals Duke basketball’s continued evolution under Jon Scheyer, the Blue Devils have added a high-profile name to their coaching staff: David Fizdale, the former head coach of the Memphis Grizzlies and New York Knicks. The hire marks a significant step in Duke’s ongoing strategy to blend NBA experience with its time-honored collegiate tradition. It also underscores Scheyer’s commitment to competing not only in the ACC but on a national stage with the tools and minds often found in the professional ranks..
Fizdale eventually landed head coaching jobs with the Memphis Grizzlies (2016–2018) and the New York Knicks (2018–2020), where he navigated rosters in various stages of rebuilding. Although his head coaching records may not reflect sustained success, Fizdale’s experience managing stars and young talent alike has made him a respected voice in player development circles. His most recent role was as an associate general manager for the Utah Jazz, where he provided strategic guidance from the front office.
Now, Fizdale brings that wealth of experience to Durha
Duke’s basketball culture has always been built around innovation, trust, and excellence. When Jon Scheyer took the reins from the legendary Mike Krzyzewski in 2022, he made it clear he would honor tradition while paving his own path. With several strong recruiting classes already under his belt, Scheyer’s Blue Devils have shown flashes of dominance, but their tournament results have left room for growth.
Bringing in someone like Fizdale is not just about optics—it’s about raising the program’s developmental ceiling.
“We wanted to add someone who could bring real-world NBA insight, someone who’s coached elite players and who understands what it takes to get there,” said Scheyer in a statement. “David’s energy, his player development philosophy, and his tactical mindset are a perfect fit for where we want to go as a program.”
Insiders close to the program say Scheyer has long admired Fizdale’s ability to connect with players. The hire reportedly came after multiple conversations about Duke’s future and how the program can better prepare its athletes for the transition to the NBA—something that is central to recruiting in the NIL and one-and-done era.e.
Player Development: From LeBron James to young talents like Kristaps Porziņģis and Ja Morant, Fizdale has helped mold players at every stage of their careers. His reputation for one-on-one mentoring and individual skill enhancement is expected to resonate with Duke’s crop of five-star recruits.
Recruiting Edge: In the new era of college basketball, where recruits are as concerned about pro potential as they are about college wins, having an ex-NBA coach on staff offers a huge competitive advantage. Fizdale can offer unfiltered, insider advice on what it takes to make it in the league.
Locker Room Gravitas: College athletes today aren’t just looking for systems—they’re looking for mentors. Fizdale’s credibility, calm under pressure, and understanding of the player-coach relationship are expected to provide a stabilizing presence in high-stakes moments.
Fizdale is expected to take on the role of special assistant to the head coach, though an official title may be announced later. In this role, he won’t be subject to some of the recruiting limitations that assistant coaches face under NCAA rules, giving Scheyer more flexibility in shaping his staff’s responsibilities.
Fizdale will likely serve in a hybrid capacity, helping with on-court instruction, film breakdowns, and game strategy, while also serving as a mentor to Duke’s top NBA-bound prospects.
Other key members of Scheyer’s staff include associate head coach Chris Carrawell, assistant coaches Jai Lucas and Amile Jefferson, and director of player development Nolan Smith. With Fizdale joining the fold, Duke now boasts one of the most diverse and experienced coaching groups in all of college basketball—a blend of former players, rising coaches, and now, a seasoned NBA veteran.
Fizdale’s addition comes at a time when college basketball coaching is undergoing a seismic shift. With NIL money flowing and the transfer portal more active than ever, blue blood programs must not only keep their own players from leaving but also continually reassert their national relevance.
Programs like Kentucky, Kansas, and UConn have each made aggressive moves in staffing and recruiting. Jon Scheyer’s decision to bring in Fizdale positions Duke as not just reactive but proactive—investing in NBA-caliber resources to build and sustain success.
“This is a strategic hire,” said ESPN college basketball analyst Jay Bilas, a Duke alum. “You don’t just bring in David Fizdale for the name. You bring him in because he brings a championship pedigree and can translate that into meaningful growth for your players and staff.”
Although Fizdale hasn’t officially met the media in Durham yet, several current Duke players have already expressed their excitement on social media.
Sophomore guard Caleb Foster posted, “Coach Fiz!!! Let’s work!!! ”
Incoming five-star freshman Cooper Flagg, one of the most hyped recruits in years, reportedly met with Fizdale during his visit to campus. While Flagg has remained publicly quiet, sources say the two shared a long film session focused on positional versatility and NBA readiness—a conversation that may have sealed Flagg’s commitment months ago.
Players want to know that their time in college will directly contribute to their long-term professional goals. Fizdale’s presence on the sideline makes that promise much more real.
With this hire, Duke isn’t just planning for the 2025–26 season. The move sends a message to the rest of college basketball: Jon Scheyer is building something different.
The Blue Devils have been a fixture of college basketball’s elite for decades. But in the post-Krzyzewski era, they’ve had to prove that their dominance isn’t tied solely to one man. Fizdale’s arrival is yet another sign that Duke plans to remain a power player—not just through legacy, but through innovation.
The next steps? Finalizing recruiting classes, navigating the ever-changing transfer portal landscape, and preparing for a non-conference slate that includes potential clashes with Kansas and Gonzaga. And now, with David Fizdale on the bench, the Blue Devils may just have the secret ingredient needed to return to championship contention.
College basketball has changed more in the last five years than it did in the two decades before that. NIL, the transfer portal, and an increased emphasis on NBA preparation have made the jump from high school to college more complex than ever before. The programs that will thrive are those that can adapt, attract elite talent, and develop players into pros.
Duke has always done that to an extent. But now, with Fizdale in the fold, they’re building the infrastructure not just to compete—but to lead.
So as the 2025–26 season inches closer, expect Duke to look a little sharper, play a little smarter, and maybe—just maybe—hang another banner in Cameron Indoor Stadium.
Because when you add a coach who’s helped win NBA titles, players and fans alike start to believe anything is possible.
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