Duke men’s basketball associate head coach Jai Lucas is reportedly leaving the program to become the head coach at Miami. 

According to a report from AP, the deal is pending contract negotiations and details on when Lucas would leave the Blue Devils this season. The news was first tweeted by @CanesInSight and New York Times Sports’ Adam Zagoria posted that “sources” confirmed the news. 

Duke basketball declined to comment on or confirm the report. The tweets were over an hour before the Blue Devils defeated Illinois at in Madison Square Garden. After the game, Duke head coach Jon Scheyer was asked about Lucas’ potential as a head coach. 

“Absolutely he’s a head coach, no question about it. It’s part of why I hired him,” Scheyer said. “I can tell you, 100%, Jai’s an amazing coach. He’s been great for these guys and we’ll continue to move forward together and figure all of that out.”

Scheyer hired Lucas in May 2022, snagging the top-tier recruiter after his two-year stint at Kentucky. Since arriving in Durham, Lucas has partnered with Scheyer in constructing recruiting classes at or near the top of the nation. Focusing on working with the backcourt, Lucas has also helped direct one of the country’s best defensive units.

Lucas was a rare hire outside of the Brotherhood but had significant family ties in Durham. His grandfather, John Harding Lucas, was a major figure in the local community; Lucas Middle School is named in his honor.

Before becoming a coach, Lucas played college basketball for Florida and Texas, then professionally for three years abroad. Lucas then returned to Texas, where he began his coaching journey under the tutelage of current Tennessee head coach Rick Barnes.

Lucas has been a key player on Scheyer’s staff. If his departure is confirmed, the young head coach will have a tall task in finding a replacement.