Head Coach, Duke Men’s Basketball
Jon Scheyer: Biography at a Glance
- Jon Scheyer, appointed as Duke's 20th head coach in 2021, made history as one of the youngest head coaches in Division I men’s basketball at a power conference institution.
- In his debut season, Scheyer led Duke to a 27-9 record, won the ACC Tournament, and achieved an undefeated home record—an unprecedented accomplishment for a first-year coach in ACC history.
- He also became the first person to win an ACC title both as a player (2009, 2010) and as a head coach (2023).
- By the end of his second season, Scheyer guided Duke to another 27-9 record, secured second place in the ACC, and advanced to the Elite Eight in the NCAA Tournament, maintaining a top-25 ranking throughout.
- Scheyer's early success includes the most overall wins (54), most conference wins (29), and the highest win percentages among all Duke head coaches in their first two seasons, reaching 50 wins in just 65 games.
- Known for his recruiting prowess, Scheyer has attracted top-ranked recruiting classes and has developed numerous players who have gone on to achieve success in the NBA.
- Scheyer is a sought-after speaker on leadership and building successful teams.
Biography
Jon Scheyer, a distinguished former Duke All-American and two-time team captain, was appointed the 20th head coach in Duke University’s illustrious basketball history on June 4, 2021.
Scheyer, at the time of his appointment, was among the youngest head coaches in Division I men's basketball and the youngest at a power conference institution. He began his coaching career with Duke in the 2013-14 season, initially serving as a special assistant. Over the years, he progressed through the ranks as an assistant coach and, most recently, as associate head coach.
Entering his third season as head coach in the 2024-25 campaign, Scheyer has already made a significant impact. In his debut season, he led the Blue Devils to a 27-9 record, capturing the ACC Tournament title and achieving an undefeated home record—a feat unmatched in the conference’s history for a debut coach. Scheyer became the first coach to win an ACC title both as a player (2009, 2010) and as a head coach (2023). His remarkable debut also saw him join an elite group of major conference coaches who won 27 or more games at 50 or younger, and he was one of only seven Division I coaches under 35 to achieve such success.
Despite a challenging season marked by injuries and a roster featuring one returning starter from the 2022 Final Four, Scheyer's team demonstrated resilience and strength, finishing 19-1 when fully healthy. Emphasizing defense and rebounding, the Blue Devils ranked among the top 20 in various rebounding statistics and the top 30 defensively. Scheyer’s efforts were recognized as he was named a finalist for the Joe B. Hall Coach of the Year Award, honoring the top first-year coach in college basketball.
In his second season, Scheyer continued to build on his historic debut by guiding Duke to another 27-9 record, securing second place in the ACC with a 15-5 conference mark, and advancing to the Elite Eight in the NCAA Tournament. Duke maintained a top-25 ranking throughout the season, ending at No. 9 in the final Associated Press poll. Under Scheyer’s leadership, the Blue Devils recorded notable victories over top-25 teams and earned a No. 4 seed in the NCAA Tournament. Notably, they secured a win over Houston in the Sweet 16, marking their 10th all-time victory over a No. 1 seed and their first since the 2015 national championship.
Scheyer’s achievements in his first two seasons include posting the most overall wins (54), most conference wins (29), and most NCAA Tournament wins (4) among Duke head coaches in their initial two seasons. His overall win percentage (.750) and conference win percentage (.725) are the highest for any Duke head coach since the early 20th century. Additionally, Scheyer became the fastest Duke head coach to reach 50 wins, accomplishing this milestone in just 65 games.
A key component of Scheyer’s success is his prowess in recruiting and player development. He has been instrumental in assembling top-ranked recruiting classes, including the No. 1 class for 2022-23 and 2024. His ability to attract and develop top talent is evident in the numerous accolades and NBA success stories of his players.
Before his coaching career, Scheyer was a standout player for Duke, where he achieved significant milestones. He remains the only player in Duke history to record over 2,000 points, 500 rebounds, 400 assists, 250 three-point field goals, and 200 steals. His senior year was particularly notable as he led Duke to its fourth national championship, earning consensus second-team All-American honors and setting the ACC single-season record for minutes played.
Scheyer’s journey began at Glenbrook North High School, where he gained recognition as a McDonald’s and Parade All-American. His remarkable high school career included a record-breaking scoring spree and a top-four finish in Illinois high school basketball history. After graduating from Duke in 2010, he played professionally with the Rio Grande Valley Vipers in the NBA D-League and had stints overseas with Maccabi Tel Aviv and Gran Canaria.
Scheyer married his wife Marcelle in May 2017. The couple have three young children, Noa, Jett, and James.
Topics
The Playbook: Leadership Lessons from Jon Scheyer
Duke head coach Jon Scheyer draws on his experiences leading one of the most prestigious college basketball programs in the country to offer a fresh perspective on building successful teams. Scheyer shares his journey from standout player to head coach, revealing how the lessons he learned on the court translate to the boardroom and beyond.
At the heart of Scheyer’s leadership philosophy is the importance of creating a culture of resilience, adaptability, and trust. He explains how to foster an environment where individuals are empowered to perform at their highest level, both independently and as part of a cohesive unit. Drawing on his experience leading Duke to ACC championships and deep NCAA Tournament runs, Scheyer provides actionable strategies for inspiring teams to navigate challenges, stay disciplined, and work toward shared goals.
With a focus on recruiting and talent development, Scheyer also delves into how to identify potential, mentor future leaders, and cultivate a growth mindset within teams. This conversation is packed with real-world examples, from turning adversity into strength to achieving success under pressure, offering business leaders a playbook for building high-performing teams that can achieve sustained success in any field.
