Despite coaching changes, the Duke Blue Devils are still regarded as one of the best collegiate basketball teams.
Three years ago, Jon Scheyer succeeded Mike Krzyzewski as head coach of the college basketball program.
Krzyzewski left an unparalleled legacy with the Blue Devils, but Scheyer has since guided Duke to the Final Four and Elite Eight.
Additionally, Krzyzewski was accompanied by one of the nation’s top staffs, which included William Stephens, Executive Director of Sports Performance.
Stephens was instrumental in Duke’s strength and conditioning program, which helped Krzyzewski get his squad ready for several championship runs.
Stephens formally retired from Duke following the most recent collegiate basketball season.
After Duke made the announcement, Krzyzewski wrote to Stephens, ostensibly endorsing his choice and expressing gratitude for the success he contributed to the Blue Devils’ success.
“Will, congratulations on an amazing career,” Krzyzewski said. “I appreciate you sharing that career with me. In addition to improving my profession, you have improved the lives of all the young men who have participated in our program while you have been their mentor. They improved as individuals in addition to their athletic prowess and strength.
Will Stephens was a fantastic asset as the Executive Director of Sports Performance, but he was also a wonderful man outside of the white lines, according to Krzyzewski.
“As good as you do with all the strength and conditioning, to me, the most important thing about you is you’re a good man,” remarked Krzyzewski. “The boys get better when they’re around you, and you’re a decent man. I’m very grateful that God has been kind to me, and I love and respect you. We’ve managed to get to know one other so well.”
Will Stephens attended Duke for 27 seasons. Working with Mike Krzyzewski and Jon Scheyer, Stephens contributed to three national titles and four Final Four appearances, according to the Blue Devils’ most recent announcement of his retirement.
From 1980 to 2022, Mike Krzyzewski was the Duke Blue Devils’ head coach.
Krzyzewski guided the Blue Devils to five national championships, thirteen Final Four trips, fourteen ACC regular season crowns, and fifteen ACC Tournament titles when he was at Duke.
