Editor's note: This article was updated March 6 to include Miami's official statement and a comment from Duke head coach Jon Scheyer.
Duke men’s basketball associate head coach Jai Lucas is leaving the program to become the head coach at Miami.
ESPN's Jeff Borzello tweeted that Lucas accepted the deal and will depart at the end of the regular season. Miami posted an official statement March 6 confirming the hire.
“We are excited to welcome Jai and his family to the Hurricane Family,” Athletics Director Dan Radakovich said. “Jai is an innovative coach, a relentless recruiter and proven talent developer whose knowledge and passion for the game resonated throughout the interview process. He has coached at some of college basketball’s most storied programs under tremendous head coaches.
"I couldn't be more excited for him and his family," Scheyer said. "He came here before I even coached one game as a head coach. He's been here from the beginning, really helped me build this thing. He's been awesome. He's a great coach, great teacher."
Scheyer confirmed that Lucas will depart following the regular season and admitted that the timing is "not ideal," but there was "no other option."
According to a Feb. 22 report from AP, the deal was pending contract negotiations and details on when Lucas would leave the Blue Devils. The news was first tweeted by @CanesInSight, and New York Times Sports' Adam Zagoria posted that “sources” confirmed the news.
The tweets were over an hour before the Blue Devils defeated Illinois at in Madison Square Garden. After the game, Scheyer was asked about Lucas' potential as a head coach.
“Absolutely he's a head coach, no question about it. It's part of why I hired him," Scheyer said. "I can tell you, 100%, Jai’s an amazing coach. He’s been great for these guys and we’ll continue to move forward together and figure all of that out.”
Scheyer hired Lucas in May 2022, snagging the top-tier recruiter after his two-year stint at Kentucky. Since arriving in Durham, Lucas has partnered with Scheyer in constructing recruiting classes at or near the top of the nation. Focusing on working with the backcourt, Lucas has also helped direct one of the country's best defensive units.
Lucas was a rare hire outside of the Brotherhood but had significant family ties in Durham. His grandfather, John Harding Lucas, was a major figure in the local community; Lucas Middle School is named in his honor.
Before becoming a coach, Lucas played college basketball for Florida and Texas, then professionally for three years abroad. Lucas then returned to Texas, where he began his coaching journey under the tutelage of current Tennessee head coach Rick Barnes.
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Dom Fenoglio is a Trinity junior and a sports managing editor of The Chronicle's 120th volume.