NCAAB News: Jon Scheyer, Cooper Flagg lose key assistant coach in Duke for upcoming season

While the Duke Blue Devils gear up for their regular season finale against the North Carolina Tar Heels, Jon Scheyer learned one assistant coach in his staff won’t return to the program for the 2025-26 NCAA season. Freshman sensation Cooper Flagg, who has yet to announce his decision on his future could lose a key coach for his sophomore campaign if he elects to stay for one more year.

Duke closed out their season at home with a commanding 93-60 rout of the Wake Forest Demon Deacons. However, the biggest challenges lie ahead for Flagg and the Blue Devils, as they embark on the decisive instances of the year.

Up next, the school coached by Jon Scheyer will make the 13-mile commute to Chapel Hill, to take on the Tar Heels at Dean E. Smith Center. Duke must win or hope for a Clemson loss to clinch the ACC regular season title and #1 seed in the conference’s tournament.

As crucial stages of the college basketball season approach, team spirit must be at an all-time high. However, with news of a departure from Scheyer’s staff breaking, the locker room’s morale could take a hit.

Head Coach Jon Scheyer of the Duke Blue Devils instructs his team against the Illinois Fighting Illini during the first half of the SentinelOne Classic at Madison Square Garden on February 22, 2025 in New York City.

Associate head coach Jai Lucas is set to become the next head coach for the Miami Hurricanes, as reported by On3. However, Lucas will remain with Scheyer and Flagg in Durham until the season concludes, before heading to South Florida to take over the program in Coral Gables.

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Lucas’ statement

While the season is far from over for the Blue Devils, with everything they’ve worked for within reach, Jai Lucas couldn’t hide his emotion after earning the head coach title at such a prestigious university.

“I am incredibly grateful and honored to be the next head coach at the University of Miami,” Lucas stated. “Miami has everything you need to compete at the highest level — elite academics, a passionate fan base, and a commitment to excellence in athletics. Beyond that, the city of Miami has a rich culture and energy that makes this an incredibly special place. The history, diversity, and passion for sports here are second to none.”

Cooper Flagg #2 of the Duke Blue Devils

Congratulations from Scheyer

Scheyer witnessed firsthand Lucas’ growth under his wing in Durham, and understands better than anybody why this is such a big and unsurpassable opportunity for the associate head coach.

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“I just want to say congratulations to Jai Lucas, you know, for Jai becoming the next head coach at Miami,” Scheyer said, via On3. “You know, he’s been an incredible addition to our staff for the last few years and I’ve been excited just to have him on this journey from the beginning with me.”