Duke head coach Jon Scheyer has publicly explained his decision to turn down the Dallas Mavericks' head coaching vacancy this summer, choosing to stay in Durham. The Mavericks, who recently beat the Chicago Bulls 149-128 on April 13, ultimately hired Michigan's Dusty May after their pursuit of Scheyer ended. Scheyer said leaving Duke now would be something he "wouldn't be able to live with."
Scheyer offered his most detailed comments yet on the "Glue Guys" podcast. He called the Duke job his "dream job" and said his work with the Blue Devils is incomplete. The 39-year-old coach felt a strong pull to see his project through after two painful NCAA Tournament exits in consecutive seasons.
In 2025, Duke blew a 14-point lead in the final eight minutes of a Final Four loss to Houston. Last season, they lost 73-72 to UConn in the Elite Eight on a last-second three-pointer after leading by 19 points. Those losses created a powerful sense of unfinished business for Scheyer and his program.
The Mavericks made multiple attempts to lure Scheyer away from Duke during their search this June. Reports indicated Scheyer had "major interest" in the NBA role but chose to return for a fifth season at Duke. With Scheyer out, Dallas moved quickly to hire a national champion.
They signed Michigan coach Dusty May on June 22. May had led the Wolverines to their first national title in 37 years just three months prior. The Mavericks' interest in Scheyer had a clear connection through former Duke players now on their roster.
Mavericks star Cooper Flagg, the reigning NBA Rookie of the Year, played his one college season for Scheyer before Dallas drafted him first overall in 2025. Former Duke center Dereck Lively II, who played for Scheyer in the 2022-23 season, is also a key part of the Mavericks' frontcourt.
Scheyer said the NBA opportunity actually strengthened his commitment to Duke. Being "presented with something different" forced him to evaluate his program's needs. "In some ways, it made me even stronger for my dedication," Scheyer explained. The process reportedly reenergized his focus on building a champion at Duke.
The Mavericks enter the offseason after finishing their regular season with a 149-128 victory over the Chicago Bulls on April 13. Their recent form shows two wins and three losses in their last five games (WLLLW). Other results include a 139-120 loss to San Antonio on April 11 and a 112-107 defeat against Phoenix on April 9.
With Dusty May now installed as head coach, the team will look to build around Flagg and Lively. Scheyer, meanwhile, prepares for another season at Duke. He has a 124-25 record in four seasons since taking over from Mike Krzyzewski. The Blue Devils return several rotation players and added a top-ranked recruiting class.
Scheyer's family considerations played a big part. He has lived in Durham longer than his hometown of Chicago. "This is where my family is," he said. For the Mavericks, the focus shifts to May's system and improving on their recent performances. Fans can track the team's offseason moves and updated [squad](/squad) information as the new era begins.
