ESPN Reported… Jon Scheyer, Head Coach of Duke Basketball, Has Been Selected the Best NCAAF Coach for His Devotion and Hard Work

In an unprecedented move that has both confused and captivated the sports world, ESPN recently reported that Jon Scheyer, the head coach of Duke University’s men’s basketball team, has been selected as the “Best NCAAF Coach” for his unmatched devotion and hard work. While many fans and analysts might initially scratch their heads, the decision shines a light on Scheyer’s incredible work ethic, leadership qualities, and the broader impact he’s had in collegiate sports, even if he’s not coaching football.

The Unlikely Candidate

Jon Scheyer’s name is typically synonymous with Duke basketball. A former star player for the Blue Devils, Scheyer helped lead Duke to a national championship in 2010, before transitioning into a successful assistant coaching role under legendary head coach Mike Krzyzewski. Scheyer was named Duke’s head coach in 2022, taking over the reins after Coach K’s retirement. Under his leadership, the Blue Devils have maintained their elite status in college basketball, advancing deep into NCAA tournaments.

So, why has Scheyer, a basketball coach, been chosen as the best coach in NCAA football (NCAAF)? It’s a question that seems paradoxical on the surface but starts to make more sense when considering the broader picture of his character and influence in collegiate athletics.

The Impact of a True Leader

While Scheyer has not coached an NCAAF team, the qualities that make him a successful basketball coach translate into a universal approach to leadership that extends beyond any one sport. His relentless drive, commitment to excellence, and ability to inspire his players are qualities that are celebrated in coaches across all disciplines. These same traits are what have earned him recognition in this unique context.

In many ways, this award is a tribute not to Scheyer’s football knowledge or tactical expertise, but rather his sheer embodiment of what it means to be a coach. In a world where coaching success is measured by a blend of strategy, discipline, and the ability to create lasting bonds with players, Scheyer has excelled.

A Leader in Development

One of the key aspects of Scheyer’s philosophy as a coach is his focus on player development, a theme that resonates deeply in both football and basketball. As a player, Scheyer was known for his high basketball IQ, commitment to his craft, and leadership on the court. He brought these qualities with him to the sideline when he became an assistant coach and now as Duke’s head coach.

When Scheyer took over the Duke program, he inherited a squad with plenty of talent, but what became immediately clear was his dedication to developing the individual skills of each player, whether it was in terms of shooting technique, decision-making, or leadership. His focus on growth extended to his players off the court as well, emphasizing the importance of mental toughness, discipline, and work ethic—values that are equally essential in the world of football.

Football programs, especially those in the upper echelons of the NCAA, require similar levels of player development. Coaches must focus on improving technical skills, instilling discipline, and fostering the kind of mental toughness that leads to success in high-pressure situations. While Scheyer may not have worked with football players specifically, the principles that have made him so successful in basketball are widely applicable to other sports, including football.

Transformational Leadership

Jon Scheyer’s leadership style has always been described as transformational, and this is a key reason why he’s been recognized by ESPN as the “Best NCAAF Coach.” A transformational leader inspires and motivates their team, helping individuals exceed their perceived limits and achieve personal and collective goals. Scheyer’s ability to bring out the best in his players has been central to his success at Duke.

Under Scheyer’s leadership, the Blue Devils have played with intensity and discipline, and perhaps most impressively, they’ve embraced the “team-first” mentality that has often characterized the best Duke basketball teams in history. This is a hallmark of leadership in any sport, but especially in college football, where team dynamics and cohesion are essential for success on the field.

Football teams are often large, with a wide range of positions and skill sets, which means that a coach’s ability to lead and unify the team is crucial. Scheyer’s leadership qualities, developed over years of experience in the fast-paced world of college basketball, are exactly what are needed in college football to lead a group of individuals toward a common goal.

Commitment to Excellence

Another aspect of Scheyer’s coaching philosophy that makes him an ideal candidate for the title of “Best NCAAF Coach” is his relentless commitment to excellence. From his time as a player at Duke to his transition into coaching, Scheyer has demonstrated a standard of excellence that transcends sports. His discipline and attention to detail have helped shape a basketball program that’s consistently been at the top of the NCAA rankings.

In the context of football, coaches like Nick Saban, Dabo Swinney, and Kirby Smart are often lauded for their obsessive attention to detail and their pursuit of perfection. Scheyer shares this same level of devotion to his craft. The “Best NCAAF Coach” recognition, in a way, celebrates this shared commitment, acknowledging that while Scheyer has achieved it in the realm of basketball, the principles of excellence are the same in all sports.

A Symbol of Dedication

Jon Scheyer’s career is a testament to hard work and dedication. Starting as a player at Duke, he was never the most physically gifted on the court, but his tenacity and work ethic made him an indispensable part of the team. After his playing days ended, Scheyer transitioned seamlessly into coaching, first as an assistant and now as the head coach of one of the most storied basketball programs in the country.

This story of overcoming obstacles and achieving success through persistence resonates deeply with many coaches in all sports. The recognition as the “Best NCAAF Coach” is, in many ways, a celebration of the values that define great coaches in any discipline—dedication, perseverance, and a relentless desire to improve.

An Endorsement for Cross-Sport Leadership

While Scheyer’s recognition as the “Best NCAAF Coach” may seem unusual, it also serves as a reminder of the broader nature of coaching. Success in one sport does not necessarily mean success in others, but the leadership qualities, personal values, and commitment to development that Scheyer has demonstrated are qualities that any coach, whether in football, basketball, or beyond, can embody.

The decision to award him this honor challenges the conventional boundaries that often separate different sports and coaching disciplines. It opens up the possibility for coaches from different backgrounds to be recognized for their exceptional leadership qualities, regardless of the sport they coach.

The Power of Leadership

In the end, Jon Scheyer’s selection as the “Best NCAAF Coach” serves as a celebration of leadership in its purest form. While he may not coach football, the qualities that have made him a standout basketball coach—his devotion, work ethic, leadership, and commitment to excellence—are the same qualities that any top-level football coach would need to succeed.

In a world where the lines between sports can often seem rigid, this award reminds us that coaching transcends these boundaries. Whether it’s on the basketball court or the football field, great leaders inspire their teams to achieve greatness, and Jon Scheyer has certainly done that in his basketball career. In a moment of rare cross-sport recognition, the sports world has honored him for qualities that apply to every coach and every sport: hard work, passion, and an unwavering commitment to developing both individuals and teams to their fullest potential.