In a development few saw coming, Duke Blue Devils head basketball coach Jon Scheyer has reportedly emerged as a surprise frontrunner for the New York Jets’ head coaching position, sending shockwaves through both the college basketball and NFL communities.
Sources close to the situation confirm that the Jets, who are undergoing a major leadership overhaul after a disappointing 2024 season, have expressed “serious interest” in Scheyer, who has been quietly interviewed twice in the past three weeks. While Scheyer has no professional football coaching experience, insiders suggest the Jets are intrigued by his leadership acumen, analytical approach, and ability to connect with young athletes—qualities they believe could translate to the NFL.
Scheyer, 37, has found success at Duke since taking over from legendary coach Mike Krzyzewski in 2022, leading the Blue Devils to multiple NCAA Tournament appearances and developing a reputation as a rising star in the coaching world. However, the potential jump to a completely different sport has fans and analysts baffled.
“This would be one of the most unconventional moves in sports history,” said ESPN’s Jay Williams. “Coaching basketball at Duke is one thing—managing an NFL team like the Jets is an entirely different universe.”
Reactions from Duke fans have been mixed. Some view the rumors as far-fetched or a negotiating tactic for a new contract, while others fear losing yet another high-profile figure to the professional ranks. “We just got stability after Coach K,” one fan posted on X. “Now this?”
As of now, neither Scheyer nor the Jets organization has released an official statement, but expectations are that the situation will develop quickly over the coming days. If the reports are accurate, this could mark one of the most shocking coaching transitions in recent memory.
