Duke's Jon Scheyer Joins Elite Coaching Club with Third Elite Eight Appearance

The 39-year-old Blue Devils coach reaches a milestone that even Mike Krzyzewski never achieved.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 5:24pm

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Duke head coach Jon Scheyer has led his team to the Elite Eight for the third time in his career, joining an elite club of only three coaches in the last 60 years to accomplish that feat before the age of 40. Scheyer's latest accomplishment came with an 80-75 win over St. John's in the Sweet 16, extending the Blue Devils' winning streak to 14 games. This NCAA Tournament run has featured several close calls for Duke, including a six-point scare against 16-seed Siena in the opening round.

Why it matters

Scheyer's rapid rise to coaching success at Duke has put him in rare company alongside legendary coaches Dean Smith and Bobby Knight. This milestone demonstrates Scheyer's ability to build on the Blue Devils' storied program and establish himself as one of the top young coaches in college basketball.

The details

In the Sweet 16 matchup, Duke was led by strong performances from Isaiah Evans (25 points) and Cameron Boozer (22 points, 10 rebounds). The Blue Devils held off a late charge from Rick Pitino's St. John's squad to secure the 80-75 victory and advance to the Elite Eight.

  • Duke defeated St. John's in the Sweet 16 on March 28, 2026.
  • Scheyer's third Elite Eight appearance came before his 40th birthday.

The players

Jon Scheyer

The 39-year-old head coach of the Duke Blue Devils, who has led the team to three Elite Eight appearances in his young career.

Mike Krzyzewski

The legendary former head coach of the Duke Blue Devils, who never achieved the feat of three Elite Eight appearances before the age of 40.

Dean Smith

The former head coach of the North Carolina Tar Heels, who is one of only three coaches in the last 60 years to reach the Elite Eight three times before turning 40.

Bobby Knight

The former head coach of the Indiana Hoosiers, who is the third coach in the last 60 years to reach the Elite Eight three times before turning 40.

Isaiah Evans

The Duke player who scored 25 points in the Sweet 16 victory over St. John's.

Cameron Boozer

The Duke player who recorded a double-double with 22 points and 10 rebounds in the Sweet 16 win.

Rick Pitino

The head coach of the St. John's Red Storm, whose team fell to Duke in the Sweet 16.

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What they’re saying

“This entire NCAA Tournament has featured close games with Duke surviving at the final horn.”

— Jeff Hauser, Author

What’s next

Duke will face UConn in the Elite Eight, a matchup of two familiar foes in the NCAA Tournament. The Blue Devils hold a 3-2 advantage over the Huskies in their previous Big Dance meetings, but have lost the last two, including the 1999 national championship game.

The takeaway

Jon Scheyer's rapid rise to coaching success at Duke has put him in elite company, joining legendary coaches Dean Smith and Bobby Knight as the only three to reach the Elite Eight three times before the age of 40. This milestone demonstrates Scheyer's ability to build on the Blue Devils' storied program and establish himself as one of the top young coaches in college basketball.