The Duke Blue Devils appear to be zeroing in on a new leader for their baseball program, and according to multiple sources familiar with the situation, one name has surfaced above the rest: LSU assistant coach Josh Jordan. Regarded as one of the most respected assistants in the college baseball world, Jordan is now considered the frontrunner to replace Chris Pollard, who stepped down earlier this month after more than a decade with the program.
While no official announcement has been made by the university, Duke’s search has reportedly accelerated in recent days, with athletic department officials expressing serious interest in Jordan’s candidacy. The buzz around Jordan has grown louder with each passing day, as insiders suggest the Blue Devils are prioritizing a coach with not only recruiting prowess and SEC experience, but also someone who understands the culture of private academic institutions.
Josh Jordan, who served as associate head coach and recruiting coordinator at Duke from 2012 to 2022 before joining the LSU staff, checks all those boxes. During his first stint with the Blue Devils, Jordan played a vital role in revitalizing the program alongside Pollard. Under their leadership, Duke transitioned from a perennial ACC bottom-dweller into a consistent postseason contender. Jordan’s ability to connect with players, evaluate talent, and build rosters that balance academic and athletic excellence made him a critical piece of Duke’s rise.
His reputation only grew stronger after joining Jay Johnson’s staff at LSU. In Baton Rouge, Jordan continued to prove his value as a recruiter and strategist, helping the Tigers secure one of the top recruiting classes in the nation while competing in the highly competitive SEC. His return to Durham, should it materialize, would represent not only a homecoming but also a potential continuation of a vision that began more than a decade ago.
Jordan’s name has been circulated among various head coaching openings over the past few years, but sources say the Duke job carries unique emotional significance. Known for his strong relationships within the Duke athletic department and with alumni, Jordan would bring continuity and familiarity while also providing fresh energy and experience from a program that recently captured a national championship.
For Duke, the coaching search has taken on added urgency following Pollard’s resignation. Though he brought the program unprecedented success—including multiple NCAA Tournament appearances and Super Regionals—the Blue Devils have struggled to maintain consistency in recent seasons. With the ACC continuing to rise as a baseball power conference, Duke officials are said to be eager to make a hire that can stabilize and elevate the program over the long term.
Athletic Director Nina King has reportedly led the search with a clear emphasis on finding a coach who embraces Duke’s dual identity as both an elite academic institution and a competitive athletic powerhouse. Sources within the department believe Jordan’s prior experience at Duke and his national recruiting footprint make him an ideal candidate. King has made bold hires in the past, most notably in football and women’s basketball, and bringing Jordan back to Durham would be seen as a similarly calculated move.
Jordan’s coaching style is widely described as player-centric and development-focused. He’s known for being detail-oriented, tireless on the recruiting trail, and innovative in his approach to game management. Those who have worked with him often praise his emotional intelligence and ability to get the most out of his players without resorting to theatrics or intimidation. That approach fits well with Duke’s broader athletic culture, which emphasizes integrity, growth, and academic achievement.
While some have speculated that Duke might look to bring in a sitting head coach from a mid-major or another Power Five program, the momentum behind Jordan has seemingly changed the calculus. Given his deep ties to the program and his SEC pedigree, Jordan is viewed not as a fallback option but as the preferred choice.
Jordan’s candidacy is also bolstered by the support he has within the Duke baseball community. Former players, alumni, and boosters have reportedly voiced strong support for his return, with several pushing behind the scenes to make it happen. In a sport where relationships and culture often dictate success more than facilities or budgets, Jordan’s familiarity with Duke could provide an edge that outside candidates simply can’t match.
As the summer recruiting calendar begins to heat up, time is of the essence. Delaying the hire much longer could cost Duke valuable opportunities on the recruiting trail and in the transfer portal. Having someone like Jordan, who already knows the landscape and can hit the ground running, would offer immediate stability.
Though no deal has been finalized, sources close to the situation say conversations between Duke and Jordan have been ongoing and productive. Negotiations appear to be progressing, and some within the athletic department are optimistic that a deal could be reached within the coming days. If hired, Jordan would be expected to begin assembling a staff quickly and make a strong push to retain current roster members while also targeting immediate-impact additions from the transfer portal.
Jordan’s potential return would likely be met with widespread enthusiasm. His tenure at Duke was marked by steady improvement, strong player development, and a commitment to doing things the right way. Bringing him back at this juncture—armed with even more experience and perspective—could help reignite the program’s momentum and reestablish Duke as a legitimate threat in the ACC.
The college baseball landscape is more competitive than ever, and programs are investing at unprecedented levels. For Duke, which boasts premier academic credentials and a burgeoning athletic profile, the right hire could be a game-changer. While challenges remain—particularly in competing with schools that offer larger NIL resources—there’s a growing belief that Jordan’s leadership and relationships could help Duke navigate this new era successfully.
If Jordan does return, one of his top priorities will be reestablishing Duke’s identity on the field. That includes developing a roster that can compete with ACC heavyweights like Wake Forest, North Carolina, and Virginia, while also cultivating a winning culture built on discipline, resilience, and smart baseball. His previous success at Duke suggests he understands what it takes—and his time at LSU has only sharpened those instincts.
In a profession where timing is everything, the stars may be aligning for Josh Jordan and Duke. The opportunity to return to a place where he helped lay the foundation for success, now with championship-level experience from LSU, could be too perfect to pass up. And for Duke, the chance to bring back a familiar face who knows how to win—and how to do it the Duke way—may offer the clarity and confidence needed to make a bold next step.
While the official announcement may still be days away, momentum is building, and all signs point to Josh Jordan being the next head coach of the Duke Blue Devils. If that comes to pass, it could mark the beginning of a new chapter—one rooted in history, powered by ambition, and guided by a coach who knows exactly what Duke Baseball can become.
