Just one day after Nolan Smith was introduced as assistant coach at Louisville, head coach Jon Scheyer has already tabbed Smith's replacement.
Director of player development and three-time Duke captain Amile Jefferson was promoted to assistant coach Tuesday, per release. In just his second year back with the Blue Devils, Jefferson will join associate head coach Chris Carrawell on Scheyer's coaching staff in the first year of the post-Coach K era at Duke.
"Having a front row seat for the evolution of Amile's career has been special," Scheyer said in Tuesday's release. "His passion, knowledge, and ability to relate to our guys is second-to-none. He played a valuable role for our team this season, particularly in the development of our frontcourt, and this promotion allows him to make an even bigger impact in the years ahead. His experience in the NBA combined with being a national champion, three-time captain and four-time Academic All-ACC pick at Duke makes Amile an essential voice on our team."
Jefferson became the program's director of player development in July 2021 on the heels of a brief professional career in both the NBA and abroad. He played at Duke from 2012-17, setting the program mark for games played with 150, and served as captain on the Blue Devils' 2015 national championship team. In his lone year on Duke's staff so far, he gained coaching experience while filling in briefly for Carrawell, who received knee surgery in December 2021.
Jefferson's promotion comes after Smith's departure to Louisville and the addition of former Elon head coach Mike Schrage as a special assistant to the head coach. Scheyer's staff still has an outstanding spot for a fourth member ahead of the 2022-23 season.
"I'm deeply honored and excited to be here and be a part of this team that Jon Scheyer is building," Jefferson said in the release. "I feel a special bond and connection to Durham, our fans and our entire Duke family. Being here means the world to me. I want to extend my appreciation to Coach K for the opportunity to begin my coaching career last year, and I'm grateful for Jon for allowing me continue it."
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Jonathan Levitan is a Trinity senior and was previously sports editor of The Chronicle's 118th volume.