As Jon Scheyer puts it, Duke had “an incredible coach” in Jai Lucas over the last couple of years. The associate head coach would help bring in top recruits, inclusive of Copper Flagg and the Boozer Twins, and kept the program rolling post-Krzyzewski. Now the big news? Lucas is heading to Miami. And the timing? Well, that’s what has everyone talking.

Lucas is stepping away right when the Blue Devils are gearing up for a deep tournament run. And just last week, he was on Duke’s bench for Jon Scheyer’s 100th game as head coach—ironically, against Miami.

Seth Davis summed up the reaction on X: “Don’t know that I recall an asst coach leaving a team before the postseason, especially one that has a chance to win the title.” 

Lucas has been a major piece of Scheyer’s staff, playing a huge role in landing the top recruiting classes of 2024 and 2025. But with Duke looking like a real title contender, walking away now? That’s got plenty of people scratching their heads.

The Scheyer-led program is 27-3 overall and holds an 18-1 conference record, while Miami has struggled all season, sitting at 6-24 with just two conference wins. The contrast between the two programs makes the move even more eye-catching. But on the brighter side, Miami gets a young, hungry coach with strong recruiting ties, especially in the Southeast. They’re betting big on Lucas to bring in talent and turn things around. As much as Scheyer would hate losing him, he agrees the Hurricanes are gaining big. 

“Absolutely he’s a head coach, no question about it. It’s part of why I hired him. The job he’s done for us has been incredible… I can tell you, 100%, Jai is an amazing coach. He’s been great for these guys. We’ll continue to move forward together and figure all that out. But he’s terrific, man. All across the board, he’s great.”

At 36, Lucas is still young in coaching years, but he’s been around the game his whole life. His father, John Lucas II, was a former NBA player and longtime coach. Basketball runs deep in the family, and Jai has been climbing the coaching ladder fast. His brother, John Lucas III, also played in the NBA and transitioned into coaching, making the Lucas name a strong presence in basketball circles.

Fans, of course, have plenty to say. 

Dipping Before the Dance? Duke Fans Sound Off on Lucas’ Exit

Some say it’s just the way college basketball works now—coaches have to move fast, and Miami gives him a chance to build something from the ground up. Others think leaving right before the postseason sends the wrong message. Either way, Lucas isn’t waiting around.

One summed up what a lot of people were thinking, saying, “Damn, leaving BEFORE the tournament?!” This is the best the Blue Devils have had in years, logging a league-record 10th ACC win by 25 or more points while recording an average win margin of 31 points in the last seven games. Duke is looking every bit title-contender and Lucas’ untimely exit isn’t sitting right with fans. 

The associate head coach is expected to leave once the regular season ends. That would be 8th March after the Blue Devils take on their Tobacco Road rivals, UNC. But fans would rather have him leave now. “If he isn’t staying for the postseason send him packing now,” came another response hit with disappointment.

Duke is on a roll, losing just 1 of its last 10 games and the head coach is looking to keep the momentum going. “For us, it’s full steam ahead,” he said after finishing with yet another perfect home record. It’s just the time to be a part of the Blue Devil nation and Lucas’ news seems to drop like a spoilsport. ““AYOOO this is wild!!!!!! BEFORE ACC AND NCAAs!?! Aye he need to get to stepping NOW,” exclaimed another. 

But Jai Lucas isn’t all to blame. As Seth Davis notes, the urgency has got to do with the transfer portal dates. It opens before the season end– i.e., March 24th and closes on April 22nd. This would require the coach to settle in beforehand. So a few suggest for NCAA to move the dates better yet. “They gotta change that rule,” one asserted.

Nonetheless, one can’t believe the strangeness of the situation. Fans still hold out hopes for him to stay for the ACC Tournament but a struggling Miami needs one of the best recruiters on its side before the chaos sets in. “Leaving before getting this chip is WILD,” a user expressed. 

Sure a disappointment, likely for both parties. But Duke will have to adjust quickly and keep their focus locked on the postseason. Maybe not a start to the new chapter Lucas would have wished for, but quite a path lays ahead.