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Duke basketball: 10 realistic candidates to succeed Coach K when he retires

By Brad Berreman

Jan 19, 2021; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Duke Blue Devils head coach Mike Krzyzewski reacts on the court during the first half against the Pittsburgh Panthers at the Petersen Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 19, 2021; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Duke Blue Devils head coach Mike Krzyzewski reacts on the court during the first half against the Pittsburgh Panthers at the Petersen Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

6. Chris Collins, Northwestern head coach

If this list were made three or four years ago, when Northwestern was coming off back-to-back 20-win seasons and the first NCAA Tournament appearance (and tournament game win) in school history, Collins might be higher. But since then the Wildcats have gone 15-17, 13-19, 8-22 and 6-8 (so far this year).

But Collins’ Duke roots as a player (1992-96) and an assistant (2000-2013 )are informative to any idea he could succeed Coach K. He probably has some time to rebuild his resume as a viable candidate.

5. Jon Scheyer, Duke Associate head coach

Scheyer played at Duke (naturally) from 2006-2010, and he has been an assistant under Coach K since 2014. Since 2018, he has been the associate head coach. When Krzyzewski had to quarantine due to COVID-19 exposure, Scheyer was the head coach for an 83-82 victory over Boston College earlier this month.

When Coach K does retire, and assuming Scheyer hasn’t left for another head coaching job, Duke may just look down the bench for the successor.