Jon Scheyer Says Parenting Has Made Him a Better Coach: “It’s Taught Me Patience and Perspective”
In a candid moment during a recent sit-down interview, Duke men’s basketball head coach Jon Scheyer opened up about the impact fatherhood has had on his coaching style. The 36-year-old leader, now in his second year guiding the Blue Devils, credits parenting with sharpening his emotional awareness and shaping his approach to building relationships with players.
Scheyer and his wife, Marcelle, are parents to three children, including a young daughter and newborn twins. Navigating sleepless nights, toddler energy, and daily parenting challenges has given the former Duke star fresh insight into leadership.
“Being a dad has definitely changed the way I coach,” Scheyer shared. “It’s taught me to slow down, listen more, and not just react. That kind of patience is something I didn’t always have as a player or even as an assistant coach.”
Scheyer emphasized that raising children has made him more empathetic — an asset when managing the personalities and pressures that come with leading a top-tier college program. He spoke about moments when his players are struggling off the court and how being a father helps him approach those situations with greater understanding.
“I think about how I want someone to treat my kids if they’re ever in that spot,” Scheyer said. “So, I try to lead with compassion. These guys are more than basketball players — they’re young men figuring out life.”
As Scheyer balances the intense demands of ACC basketball with the unpredictable rhythms of parenting, fans are witnessing the evolution of a coach who’s bringing heart and humanity to one of college basketball’s most storied programs. It’s clear that the lessons he’s learning at home are making a difference in Cameron Indoor Stadium.
