The Duke Blue Devils, perennial contenders for national titles and one of college basketball’s elite programs, are coming off a stellar 2024-25 season. Led by freshmen sensations Cooper Flagg, Kon Knueppel, and Khaman Maluach, Duke posted a 35-4 record and reached the Final Four, where they fell to Houston. Now, head coach Jon Scheyer faces the challenge of rebuilding for the 2025-26 season with a new roster, as Flagg, Knueppel, Maluach, Tyrese Proctor, and Sion James have departed.
Additionally, Duke must replace Will Stephens, the Executive Director of Sports Performance, who retired on Saturday, June 7, 2025. Stephens’ role was critical in maintaining the team’s athletic edge, and his departure adds another layer to Scheyer’s offseason tasks. Scheyer is likely strategizing to recruit top talent and hire a new performance director to keep Duke in contention for a national championship.
Will Stephens, after 27 seasons as the Duke Blue Devils’ Executive Director of Sports Performance, retired on June 7, 2025, as announced by the program. His tenure was instrumental in securing three national championships and seven Final Four appearances, cementing Duke’s status as a college basketball powerhouse. Stephens’ impact extended beyond physical training, shaping the mental and emotional readiness of the team.
Duke head coach Jon Scheyer now faces the task of replacing Stephens while rebuilding the roster following the departure of freshmen stars Cooper Flagg, Kon Knueppel, and Khaman Maluach, along with key players Tyrese Proctor and Sion James, after a 35-4 season and a Final Four loss to Houston in 2024-25.
In Duke’s official retirement announcement, Flagg and Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum praised Stephens’ influence. Flagg highlighted Stephens’ energy and ability to prepare the team daily, saying, “Coach Will is incredibly impactful for our program and everything that he did for us all year long. He always brought the energy, always got us better, and always had us ready and excited to come into the gym every day.” Tatum credited Stephens for transforming his mindset and physique, noting, “Coach Will had a big impact on my career. He really helped my mindset. He really helped me transform my body. He got our whole team ready mentally and physically at the highest level.”
Scheyer and Duke are now focused on integrating new players and staff to maintain their championship trajectory.
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