Duke associate head coach Jai Lucas has signed a deal to become the next head coach at Miami, per ESPN’s Jeff Borzello
In a significant development in the college basketball landscape, Jai Lucas, the highly respected associate head coach for the Duke Blue Devils, has signed a deal to become the new head coach of the University of Miami men’s basketball team. The announcement, made by ESPN’s Jeff Borzello, marks a significant shift for both programs and raises questions about the future of the Miami Hurricanes’ basketball program and the Blue Devils’ coaching staff.
The 2025 coaching carousel has seen a number of high-profile moves across the NCAA, but this one is particularly notable due to Lucas’s pedigree as a former player and his impressive rise through the coaching ranks. His move from Duke, a powerhouse of college basketball, to a Miami program that has been steadily improving under head coach Jim Larranaga’s tenure, highlights both the growing ambition of the Hurricanes’ program and Lucas’s readiness to take the next step in his coaching career.
The Rise of Jai Lucas: A Coaching Star in the Making
Jai Lucas has long been regarded as one of the brightest young coaching minds in college basketball. His basketball career began as a player, where he first gained attention for his impressive skills as a point guard. A highly recruited high school talent, Lucas played at the University of Kentucky for two seasons, where he was known for his basketball IQ and his leadership on the court.
Following his playing career, Lucas quickly pivoted to coaching, leveraging his experience and basketball knowledge to carve out a path in the world of college basketball. He spent time at several programs, including Texas, where he worked under head coach Shaka Smart, before joining Duke. At Texas, Lucas made a name for himself by being involved in recruiting, player development, and game strategy. His work with players, particularly on the offensive end, was a key aspect of Texas’s success during his tenure.
At Duke, Lucas took on an even more significant role as associate head coach under the legendary Mike Krzyzewski. The Blue Devils’ program has long been one of the most storied in college basketball, and under Coach K’s tutelage, Lucas was able to gain valuable experience in high-pressure, high-profile environments. His responsibilities at Duke were extensive, as he was involved in everything from recruiting top-tier high school talent to game preparation and strategy. Many credit Lucas with playing an instrumental role in developing several of Duke’s recent stars, both offensively and defensively.
One of Lucas’s primary responsibilities at Duke was overseeing the development of the team’s guards. Known for his sharp coaching on the offensive side of the ball, Lucas helped refine the skills of players like Paolo Banchero, Tyrese Proctor, and Jeremy Roach, all of whom have made their mark in the ACC and at the NBA level. His reputation as a coach who could maximize the potential of his players became a key selling point for Miami, which was looking for someone who could take its basketball program to new heights.
Miami’s Growing Ambition
For Miami, Jai Lucas’s hire represents a bold step forward in its basketball program’s aspirations. Over the past decade, Miami has steadily emerged as a competitive force in the ACC. Under Jim Larranaga, the Hurricanes have made several deep runs in the NCAA tournament, including their remarkable Final Four appearance in 2023. Larranaga, who had been the face of Miami’s success, announced in 2025 that he would be stepping down, creating the opportunity for a new direction for the program.
While Larranaga’s departure marked the end of an era, it also presented a unique opportunity for Miami to find a coach capable of building on the momentum created under Larranaga’s watch. The Hurricanes had been trending upward, and the administration wanted to find someone who could continue to elevate the program into the elite ranks of college basketball.
Jai Lucas emerged as a prime candidate for the job, thanks to his track record at Duke and his ability to develop talent, particularly among guards, which is a key position in modern college basketball. Miami had already seen success in the ACC, but with the ever-changing landscape of college basketball, particularly with the advent of the NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) era and the transfer portal, Miami needed a coach who could navigate these challenges and continue to compete at a high level.
Lucas’s recruiting prowess, combined with his familiarity with the demands of the ACC, made him an ideal fit for the Miami job. His experience at Duke, where he worked with some of the best high school players in the nation, gives him an edge in recruiting the top-tier talent that is necessary to compete in the ACC and on the national stage.
The Legacy of Jim Larranaga and What Comes Next for Miami
Jim Larranaga’s tenure at Miami will be remembered as one of the most successful in the program’s history. Under his leadership, Miami became a consistent NCAA tournament team and one of the most formidable programs in the ACC. Larranaga’s calm demeanor and ability to maximize the potential of his players were central to his success, and he laid the groundwork for Miami to be competitive for years to come.
However, like all great programs, Miami needed to evolve in order to remain relevant in an ever-changing college basketball landscape. The coaching change provides Miami with an opportunity to freshen up its approach while still capitalizing on the solid foundation Larranaga built. Jai Lucas will have the challenge of not only continuing the program’s success but also pushing the boundaries to elevate it to new heights.
One of the key areas where Lucas will be expected to make a difference is in recruiting. While Larranaga was successful in bringing in high-quality players, Lucas will likely be tasked with ensuring that Miami remains competitive in the recruiting battle with other ACC powerhouses like Duke, North Carolina, and Virginia. Lucas’s extensive ties to top high school programs, particularly in the state of Florida, could be instrumental in Miami’s future success.
Another critical aspect of Lucas’s challenge will be navigating the rapidly evolving world of college basketball, particularly with the advent of the NIL and the transfer portal. Miami has been active in using the transfer portal to build its roster in recent years, and Lucas’s familiarity with these tools, combined with his experience at Duke, will be invaluable in maintaining a competitive edge.
What Does This Mean for Duke?
For Duke, Jai Lucas’s departure marks the end of an era in the program’s coaching staff. Duke is known for its storied history and its ability to develop top-tier talent. With Lucas leaving, the Blue Devils will now have to fill the void left by his departure, which could present challenges. However, given Duke’s tradition of excellence and its recruiting power, it’s likely the program will find a capable successor.
Lucas’s departure also comes at a time of transition for Duke basketball. The program is in the midst of moving from the Mike Krzyzewski era to a new chapter under head coach Jon Scheyer. While Scheyer has already established himself as the head coach of the Blue Devils, the loss of a key assistant coach like Lucas is certainly significant. However, Duke’s success is built on more than just individual coaches; it’s a brand that attracts the best talent year in and year out.
In Lucas’s absence, Duke will have to adapt and adjust, but they are still positioned as one of the top programs in the nation, and their recruiting pipeline will continue to bring in elite talent. Scheyer will likely promote from within or look for another rising star to fill the gap left by Lucas’s departure.
Looking Ahead: Lucas’s Future at Miami
Jai Lucas’s transition to the head coaching role at Miami represents a new chapter in his coaching career. While his time at Duke was marked by success and growth, it’s clear that Lucas is ready to take on the challenge of running his own program. Miami offers a unique opportunity for him to build a program from the ground up, and given his track record, he is positioned to succeed.
The Miami Hurricanes are excited about the future under Lucas’s leadership. With his recruiting ability, player development expertise, and knowledge of the ACC, Lucas has the tools necessary to take the program to the next level. The college basketball world will be watching closely as Lucas takes over a program with a bright future ahead of it.
As the 2025-2026 season approaches, Miami’s basketball program will begin its new era under Jai Lucas. Expectations will be high, and the challenges will be many. However, Lucas’s rise to prominence has shown that he is more than ready for the task at hand. Whether he can elevate Miami into a perennial contender for national championships remains to be seen, but with his talent and work ethic, the future is undoubtedly bright for the Hurricanes.
