Coach K is expected to attend the Final Four to support Jon Scheyer and Duke basketball, continuing his mentorship.

The 2025 Final Four is shaping up to be a monumental event, not just for the teams involved but also for the legacies of both the players and coaches who have paved the way. One of the most anticipated aspects of the upcoming Final Four is the continued involvement of Duke basketball’s legendary head coach, Mike Krzyzewski, known to the basketball world as “Coach K.” After retiring in 2022, Coach K left behind an immense legacy in college basketball, having led Duke to five national championships and becoming the all-time winningest coach in NCAA Division I men’s basketball history.

However, Coach K’s retirement has not meant that he’s stepped away from the game entirely. Far from it. While he no longer stands on the sidelines, Coach K remains an integral part of the Duke basketball program, particularly in his relationship with current head coach Jon Scheyer, a former player and assistant under him. As the Blue Devils make their way to the 2025 Final Four, Coach K’s presence will undoubtedly be felt, and it seems highly likely that he will be in attendance, not just as a spectator, but also as a mentor and support system for Scheyer, who is now guiding Duke’s basketball program into its next chapter.

Coach K’s Legacy at Duke and College Basketball

Before diving into Coach K’s continued role in Duke basketball, it’s important to appreciate the magnitude of his legacy. Mike Krzyzewski is more than just a basketball coach—he is an institution. Over his 41 years as Duke’s head coach, he built a dynasty, leading the Blue Devils to five NCAA championships (1991, 1992, 2001, 2010, and 2015). His teams not only won at the highest level but also set the standard for academic and personal integrity, cultivating a culture that emphasized both hard work and education.

Coach K was instrumental in creating a program that would go on to produce some of the most elite basketball players in the world, including NBA stars like Kyrie Irving, Zion Williamson, and Jayson Tatum. His influence was not confined to the basketball court—Coach K shaped the lives of his players, preparing them for life beyond the game.

In 2022, Coach K’s retirement left a noticeable void, but it was never going to be the end of his relationship with the Duke basketball program. Instead, he transitioned into a role that allows him to remain involved in a more advisory and mentoring capacity. His relationship with Jon Scheyer, in particular, is one of deep trust and respect, and it’s clear that Coach K’s influence will continue to reverberate through the program, even as Scheyer takes on the full responsibility of leading Duke.

Jon Scheyer: Carrying the Torch

Jon Scheyer, who played under Coach K from 2006 to 2010, was the natural choice to succeed him as head coach. A standout guard during his playing career, Scheyer played a pivotal role in Duke’s 2010 national championship team. His basketball IQ, leadership skills, and deep understanding of the game made him an ideal candidate for the job.

Scheyer’s transition from player to assistant coach was smooth, and he quickly earned the respect of Coach K and his peers. In fact, it was during his time as an assistant coach that Scheyer began to shape his own coaching philosophy, which blends the intensity and discipline of Coach K’s approach with his own ideas for a modernized game. When Scheyer was announced as Duke’s next head coach in 2022, it was seen not only as a logical succession but also as a reflection of Coach K’s faith in his former player.

As head coach, Scheyer has already made an impact, helping Duke continue to be a competitive force in college basketball. Under his leadership, the Blue Devils have maintained their place among the nation’s elite programs, and his ability to recruit top-tier talent ensures that Duke remains a destination for the best high school players in the country. But while Scheyer is carving out his own identity as a coach, it’s clear that Coach K’s presence looms large over him.

Coach K’s mentorship has played an important role in helping Scheyer navigate his new role. From tactical advice to support on leadership and team management, Coach K has remained an essential sounding board for Scheyer, providing him with invaluable insight into how to run a program as prestigious as Duke’s.

Coach K’s Continued Support of Duke Basketball

As the 2025 Final Four approaches, Coach K’s ongoing involvement with Duke basketball is becoming more apparent. Although he no longer coaches the team directly, his presence at major events like the Final Four is symbolic of his enduring commitment to the program. Coach K’s presence at the Final Four would not only serve as an emotional boost for the players but also as a reminder of the championship pedigree that Duke has cultivated over the years.

One of the reasons that Coach K’s attendance at the Final Four is so significant is the role that he plays in mentoring Jon Scheyer. Despite the immense success Scheyer has already had in his early years as Duke’s head coach, there’s still much for him to learn. The NCAA tournament, particularly the Final Four, is a high-pressure situation where coaching decisions can make or break a team’s season. Having Coach K, who has been through the grind of many Final Fours, by his side is a resource Scheyer can rely on when facing these challenges.

Coach K is known for his calm demeanor in high-pressure moments, his ability to make pivotal decisions in the heat of competition, and his knack for motivating players when the stakes are highest. These qualities are crucial for any coach, especially when the stakes are as high as they are during the Final Four. While Scheyer has already demonstrated his capacity to coach at this level, the opportunity to lean on Coach K for guidance during such a critical stretch of the season would be invaluable.

Why Coach K’s Presence Matters to the Players

For the Duke players, Coach K’s presence at the Final Four would also carry significant weight. While Scheyer is the current head coach, many of the players still have deep connections to Coach K, who recruited them or coached them during their early years at Duke. These players understand the gravity of Coach K’s legacy and would undoubtedly appreciate the opportunity to receive his support during one of the most important moments of their college basketball careers.

Coach K’s ability to connect with his players on a personal level is one of the key reasons why he was so successful at Duke. He was known for his deep investment in the lives of his players, often going beyond the basketball court to ensure they were developing as individuals. This personal connection didn’t end when he retired; Coach K’s relationship with Duke players continues to this day, and his presence in the Final Four would provide an emotional boost to the team.

In many ways, Coach K’s legacy is embedded in the culture of Duke basketball. His emphasis on teamwork, discipline, and resilience remains a cornerstone of the program. When players step onto the court for a Final Four game, they do so not just with the support of their head coach but also with the collective weight of the Duke tradition behind them. Coach K’s presence serves as a powerful reminder of that tradition.

The Impact of Coach K’s Mentorship on Scheyer’s Future

Looking beyond this season, Coach K’s ongoing mentorship will continue to play a pivotal role in Jon Scheyer’s career. Coaching at a program as storied as Duke comes with immense pressure and expectations, and having someone like Coach K to lean on is invaluable. As Scheyer continues to build his identity as a head coach, Coach K’s advice and guidance will help him avoid common pitfalls and continue to push the team to new heights.

Scheyer is already proving himself to be an excellent coach in his own right, but Coach K’s insights into managing a successful program cannot be overstated. Whether it’s recruiting, game planning, or handling the media, Scheyer has a trusted advisor in Coach K, who has already navigated the challenges of leading a powerhouse program. Coach K’s influence will be felt for years to come, and it’s clear that the future of Duke basketball remains in capable hands.