All signs are pointing to the Miami Hurricanes having a new head basketball coach on the way for the 2025-26 season: that'd be Jai Lucas. Jon Scheyer spoke openly about the rumors and reports surrounding his top assistant, saying it surely hasn't come as an 'ideal time.' As some may say around Miami and Coral Gables, "That sounds like your problem."
Jim Larranaga resigning at the start of the season for the Hurricanes was "not ideal." The Hurricanes players that are scuffling through a really tough season will tell you that losing is not ideal. I do agree with Scheyer that the protocol to allow coaches to pursue other positions at this time isn't great. Is this fair to the Duke players? Absolutely not, as the Blue Devils are ready to push for a national title with March Madness sneaking up on us.
However, the interview happened and as per the story from the Associated Press, Miami will select Lucas to be its next head coach. To channel reality show logic, "Lucas made his choice and wanted to interview for the job, so..."
Duke head coach Jon Scheyer says that the reports that assistant coach Jai Lucas will accept Miami position “clearly wasn’t thought out well enough.” pic.twitter.com/X79dTAijgY
— Carolina Blitz (@KeepBlitzin) February 24, 2025
Jon Scheyer is not happy about the leaked Jai Lucas-to-Miami reports
As the head coach, Scheyer should've seen this coming. He should've had Lucas getting another coach involved in his defensive planning sessions. Scheyer sounds as if he was caught off guard a bit. He said Lucas is one of his best friends and he's a great guy and coach. Scheyer isn't mad at his buddy/assistant. He's mad at the reports coming out at this time.
You could tell he was annoyed with him saying, "Clearly, this wasn't well thought out," i.e. Miami's hiring process. Sure, we get it, but Larranaga retiring in the middle of the season threw everything out the door for the Canes. With so many attractive jobs expected to be open sooner rather than later, Miami wanted to act fast and land a top target. It looks like it has done just that.
All successful programs get their coaches poached. Lucas will have to work hard to satisfy his current job and his next one. Obviously, feelings will be hurt. For fans, it will make the Duke vs. Miami rivalry that much better in the near future.