Duke associate head coach Jai Lucas will be the next head coach of the Miami Hurricanes, the school announced on Thursday morning.

“We are excited to welcome Jai and his family to the Hurricane Family,” director of athletics Dan Radakovich said in a statement. “Jai is an innovative coach, a relentless recruiter and proven talent developer whose knowledge and passion for the game resonated throughout the interview process. He has coached at some of college basketball’s most storied programs under tremendous head coaches. It is clear that Jai understands what it takes to compete on and off the floor in this new era of college basketball and he sees the great potential at Miami. We are fortunate to have Jai join us in Coral Gables.”

Lucas, 36, has spent the last three seasons (2022-25) at Duke after two seasons at Kentucky (2020-22) and four years at Texas (2016-20), his alma mater.

“Jai is a special coach,” Duke head coach Jon Scheyer said after the Blue Devils’ win at Miami on Feb. 25. “We’ve been through a lot together for three years. He’s everything you could want with attention to detail, great with relationships, great on the floor, and so Jai’s a great coach, bottom line. He’s a great coach. He’s one of my closest friends in the world, been through a lot together. Our friendship will always be there no matter what because he’s a great coach, but he’s an even a better person, and that to me is the best part about Jai.”

This will be his first head coaching job.

“I am incredibly grateful and honored to be the next head coach at the University of Miami,” Lucas said in a statement. “Miami has everything you need to compete at the highest level — elite academics, a passionate fan base, and a commitment to excellence in athletics. Beyond that, the city of Miami has a rich culture and energy that makes this an incredibly special place. The history, diversity, and passion for sports here are second to none. I look forward to building on an incredible foundation and leading this program into an exciting new era. My family and I can’t wait to get to Coral Gables and get to work.”

Lucas will be taking over for the Hurricanes, who at 6-24, are tied for the most losses in a season in school history. He will be announced formally at a press conference on Monday.

As a player, Lucas was a McDonald’s All-American out of Bellaire (Texas) in 2007. He played one season at Florida (2007-08) before transferring to Texas for two seasons (2009-11). He then played professionally in Latvia with BK Valmiera with three stints in the G League with the Idaho Stampede, Sioux Falls Skyforce and Canton Charge before beginning his coaching career in 2016.

He is the son of former NBA coach and player, John Lucas, and the younger brother John Lucas III, who also played in the NBA.

Christopher Stock has covered the Miami Hurricanes since 2003 and can be reached by e-mail at stock@insidetheu.com and on Twitter @InsideTheU