Tyler Thornton Returns to Duke as Assistant Coach Under Jon Scheyer
Duke Basketball has welcomed back a familiar face with the hiring of former Blue Devils captain Tyler Thornton as an assistant coach under head coach Jon Scheyer. The move was officially announced on May 30, marking Thornton’s return to Durham after spending six successful seasons as an assistant coach at Howard University.
Thornton, who played for Duke from 2010 to 2014 under legendary coach Mike Krzyzewski, was known for his leadership, defensive grit, and basketball IQ. During his college career, he played in over 140 games, helping guide the Blue Devils to multiple NCAA tournament appearances. His toughness and team-first mentality made him a fan favorite and a key contributor on and off the court.
Now, Thornton brings his coaching experience and Duke pedigree to a young coaching staff led by Scheyer. His return is not just symbolic—it adds a proven developer of talent and a strong recruiter to the program. At Howard, Thornton played a crucial role in elevating the Bison’s program, helping them to their first NCAA tournament appearance in decades and mentoring several All-MEAC players.
“I’m thrilled to return to Duke in this new role,” Thornton said. “This program shaped me as a player and a person. I look forward to helping our student-athletes grow and succeed the way this place helped me.”
Jon Scheyer emphasized the importance of Thornton’s addition, noting, “Tyler knows what it means to wear the Duke jersey. His passion for this program and his development as a coach make him a perfect fit for our staff.”
With Thornton joining the bench, Duke strengthens its commitment to preserving its culture while pushing forward in the competitive world of college basketball. Fans can expect his influence to show both on the sidelines and in the locker room this season.
