Jon Scheyer of Duke University has been selected the 2025 Coach of the Year by the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). Scheyer has won the coveted prize after garnering a resounding 105 votes from coaches and members of the media, which represents a major turning point in his coaching career.

Jon Scheyer Selected as 2025 ACC Coach of the Year: A Major Turning Point in His Coaching Career

Duke University basketball has always been a program synonymous with success, excellence, and unmatched tradition. From the legendary Mike Krzyzewski, who built the Blue Devils into a college basketball powerhouse, to the new era under Jon Scheyer, Duke’s commitment to excellence has never wavered. In 2025, that commitment took a major step forward as Scheyer was named the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Coach of the Year. This honor marked a pivotal moment in Scheyer’s young coaching career and underscored his remarkable ability to lead, inspire, and elevate one of college basketball’s premier programs.

Jon Scheyer’s selection as the 2025 ACC Coach of the Year came after an outstanding season that saw the Blue Devils once again cement themselves as one of the nation’s elite teams. The 2025 season was not only a personal milestone for Scheyer, but it was also a testament to his ability to guide his team through challenges, foster growth, and continue the legacy of success established under Coach K.

The Transition to Head Coach

When Jon Scheyer was appointed as Duke’s head coach following Mike Krzyzewski’s retirement in 2022, there were many who wondered how the young, relatively inexperienced coach would handle the immense pressure of succeeding one of the greatest coaches in basketball history. After all, Krzyzewski had led Duke to five national championships and built a dynasty that became synonymous with dominance and consistency.

However, Scheyer’s path to the top job at Duke had been meticulously crafted. A former Duke player, Scheyer was a key figure in the program during its 2010 national championship run, and he had learned from the best in Coach K. Scheyer’s understanding of the Duke culture, his leadership as a player, and his work as an assistant coach under Krzyzewski made him a logical choice to continue the program’s tradition of success.

Scheyer’s early years as head coach were marked by the usual challenges that come with replacing a legend. The first few seasons required him to establish his own identity while also maintaining the high standards that had been set by his predecessor. His ability to recruit top-tier talent, build strong relationships with his players, and make critical in-game decisions would be scrutinized from every angle. Yet, Scheyer’s calm demeanor, basketball acumen, and commitment to team-first principles set him apart as a coach with immense potential.

The 2025 season proved to be a major turning point in Scheyer’s career. After two years of transition, he had fully established himself as a coach who could guide Duke to championship contention. His ability to motivate his players, manage the ups and downs of a long season, and develop young talent into stars was evident at every turn.

A Historic 2025 Season for Duke

The 2025 season was one of the most successful in recent memory for Duke University basketball. Scheyer’s squad, a blend of seasoned upperclassmen and dynamic freshmen, played with an intensity, discipline, and cohesion that had become the hallmark of the Blue Devils under his leadership.

Key to Duke’s success in 2025 was the development of players like Cooper Flagg, who quickly became one of the most dominant forces in college basketball. Flagg’s historic freshman campaign, which earned him both the ACC Player and Rookie of the Year awards, was a testament to Scheyer’s ability to bring out the best in his players. Scheyer had worked closely with Flagg, developing his skills while also fostering a strong sense of responsibility and leadership within the team.

Alongside Flagg, players such as Jeremy Roach, Mark Mitchell, and Tyrese Proctor emerged as vital contributors to Duke’s success. Scheyer’s ability to balance the team’s young talent with experienced upperclassmen allowed the Blue Devils to seamlessly integrate their style of play and reach new heights. Whether it was a key late-game possession, a high-pressure rivalry game, or a crucial road win, Scheyer’s leadership was evident at every turn. His strategic adjustments, timeout management, and in-game decision-making were exceptional, earning him the respect of his peers across the ACC.

Duke finished the regular season atop the ACC standings, securing a high seed for the NCAA Tournament and maintaining an impressive win-loss record against both conference rivals and non-conference foes. Under Scheyer’s leadership, Duke demonstrated an ability to dominate on both ends of the floor. Offensively, they played with pace and precision, running sets that took full advantage of their athletes’ versatility and skill. Defensively, they were a suffocating presence, forcing turnovers, contesting shots, and winning the battle on the boards.

The Blue Devils’ success throughout the regular season was not only a reflection of their talent but also of Scheyer’s leadership. He had brought a sense of unity and purpose to a team that was loaded with potential. By the time the regular season had concluded, it was clear that Jon Scheyer had transformed into one of the ACC’s brightest coaching minds.

The Vote of Confidence: 105 Votes for Scheyer

When the 2025 ACC Coach of the Year award was announced, Scheyer’s achievement was recognized by a resounding 105 votes from both coaches and members of the media. This overwhelming support underscored just how much respect Scheyer had earned from his peers. Coaches in the ACC, a conference known for its competitive nature and historical significance in college basketball, recognized Scheyer’s leadership and his ability to get the most out of his team.

Winning the ACC Coach of the Year award was a monumental achievement for Scheyer, who was still in the early stages of his coaching career. It not only validated his abilities as a coach but also confirmed that he had fully embraced the legacy left by Coach K while simultaneously forging his own path forward. The vote reflected the admiration that the broader college basketball community had for Scheyer’s accomplishments, both as a coach and as a leader.

The 105 votes Scheyer received were a direct reflection of the impact he had made on Duke’s program in just his third year as head coach. It was clear that his style of coaching, which emphasized player development, discipline, and an unyielding commitment to team success, had resonated with the voters. In a conference loaded with some of the best coaches in the country, Scheyer’s ability to outshine his peers was a testament to his growth and promise as a head coach.

Building a Legacy

Jon Scheyer’s 2025 ACC Coach of the Year award is more than just a personal triumph. It marks the beginning of what could be a legendary coaching career at Duke. In his short tenure as head coach, Scheyer has already proved that he has the tools necessary to lead the Blue Devils to sustained success. His ability to recruit top-tier talent, develop players into NBA prospects, and win at the highest levels speaks volumes about his potential.

Duke fans, many of whom were initially uncertain about Scheyer’s ability to succeed Coach K, now have a new sense of confidence in the program’s future. The 2025 season showed that Scheyer can not only maintain Duke’s high standards but can also bring fresh energy and ideas to the program. His success as a recruiter, particularly with players like Cooper Flagg, has also set the stage for continued dominance in college basketball.

One of the most important aspects of Scheyer’s coaching style is his focus on player development. He has shown a remarkable ability to nurture young talent and help them reach their full potential. This was evident in the development of players like Flagg, who was a key contributor from day one. But it was not just freshmen who thrived under Scheyer’s leadership—upperclassmen, such as Roach and Mitchell, also found new levels of success in their roles.

Moreover, Scheyer’s emphasis on a strong team-first mentality and a balanced approach to offense and defense has made Duke a formidable opponent for any team. Under his guidance, the Blue Devils have become one of the most well-rounded teams in the nation, capable of adjusting to any situation and rising to the occasion in high-pressure moments.

The Road Ahead for Jon Scheyer

While the 2025 ACC Coach of the Year award is a significant achievement, it is clear that Jon Scheyer’s journey is far from over. Duke’s program remains one of the top destinations for high school basketball talent, and Scheyer’s ability to continue recruiting at an elite level will be critical to sustaining the Blue Devils’ success.

As he looks toward the future, Scheyer’s focus will undoubtedly be on continuing to develop his players, fine-tuning his coaching strategies, and leading Duke to championships. With a team brimming with talent and a coaching staff that believes in his vision, the future is bright for Jon Scheyer and the Duke basketball program.

In many ways, the 2025 ACC Coach of the Year award is just the beginning of what promises to be an extraordinary coaching career for Jon Scheyer. His impact on Duke has already been profound, and as the years go by, there is little doubt that Scheyer will continue to add to the rich legacy of Blue Devil basketball. For now, though, he can savor this moment and look ahead to the next great challenge that lies ahead: continuing the tradition of greatness that is Duke basketball.