🏁 Duke’s Unsung Hero Steps Down: Strength Coach Will Stephens Retires After 27 Years

🏁 Duke’s Unsung Hero Steps Down: Strength Coach Will Stephens Retires After 27 Years

Will Stephens, Duke basketball’s longtime Executive Director of Sports Performance, announced his retirement today, marking the end of an era defined by transformation and trust—but rarely visible to fans.

For 27 seasons, Stephens shaped the behind-the-scenes powerhouse of Duke’s program. He was the architect behind the physical evolution of stars like Nick Horvath, Jayson Tatum, Cooper Flagg, and Marshall Plumlee, sculpting perimeter shooters into powerful inside forces and turning elite talent into NBA-ready athletes .

Stephens’ impact went beyond raw athleticism. He oversaw 55 NBA players, 39 NBA first-round picks, 21 WNBA players, and 11 WNBA first-round picks—a testament to the program’s consistent pipeline of professional excellence . His work helped secure three national titles, 10 Final Fours, and more than a dozen ACC championships during his tenure .

Despite his behind‑the‑scenes role, his departure resonated deeply with those closest to the program. Duke legend Coach K expressed profound gratitude, saying Stephens made every young man better, “not just in strength… but in character,” and praised him as a “good man” above all else . Head coach Jon Scheyer echoed this sentiment, highlighting Will’s role in building the team’s culture of toughness, consistency, and unrelenting work ethic .

With Stephens gone, Scheyer faces a tough decision: promote from within or recruit someone who can preserve this culture of excellence. But, as Duke fans know, the program is built to outlast individual departures—always ready for the next challenge.