In a shocking move, the Indiana Hoosiers have announced that they will hire Duke basketball associate head coach, Jai Lucas, as their next head coach. Lucas, a highly respected coach and recruiter, has spent the past five seasons as an assistant coach under Mike Krzyzewski at Duke.
“We are thrilled to welcome Jai Lucas to the Hoosier family as our next head coach,” said Indiana University athletic director, Scott Dolson. “Jai is an exceptional coach and recruiter who has a proven track record of success at the highest level. We believe he is the perfect fit to lead our program back to national prominence.”
Lucas, a 38-year-old native of Houston, Texas, has quickly risen through the coaching ranks. He began his coaching career as an assistant coach at Texas A&M, before moving on to Duke, where he has played a key role in the Blue Devils’ success.
“I am honored and humbled to be named the next head coach at Indiana University,” said Lucas. “This is a dream come true for me, and I am excited to get started. I want to thank Scott Dolson and the entire Indiana University administration for believing in me and giving me this opportunity. I am committed to building a program that will make Hoosier Nation proud.”
Lucas’ hiring is a significant coup for Indiana, which has been searching for a new head coach since the departure of Archie Miller. Lucas’ reputation as a top recruiter and his experience coaching at the highest level made him an attractive candidate for the Hoosiers.
“Jai is an exceptional recruiter and coach who has a deep understanding of what it takes to succeed at the highest level,” said Duke head coach, Mike Krzyzewski. “He is a natural leader who will do a great job of building a program that will compete for championships. I am thrilled to see him get this opportunity, and I have no doubt that he will make Indiana proud.”
Lucas’ first task as head coach will be to assemble a coaching staff and begin recruiting for the 2025-26 season. He will also have to navigate the challenges of rebuilding a program that has struggled in recent years.
“I know that there are challenges ahead, but I am excited to get started and begin building a program that will make Hoosier Nation proud,” said Lucas. “I want to thank the Indiana University community for their support, and I look forward to working with our student-athletes, coaches, and staff to build a program that will compete for championships.”
In conclusion, the hiring of Jai Lucas as the next head coach of the Indiana Hoosiers is a significant move that is expected to bring excitement and energy to the program. Lucas’ reputation as a top recruiter and his experience coaching at the highest level make him an attractive candidate for the Hoosiers. With Lucas at the helm, Indiana fans can expect a renewed focus on building a program that will compete for championships.