Two former Duke Blue Devils men’s basketball guards turned head coaches are facing uncertain futures as the college basketball season nears its conclusion. Both have struggled to meet expectations at their current programs, raising questions about how their departures will impact their professional legacies.
Bobby Hurley at Arizona State Sun Devils men’s basketball and Jeff Capel at Pittsburgh Panthers men’s basketball have found themselves on the hottest of hot seats after struggling to achieve consistent success. Their programs, once competitive under their leadership, now face a period of uncertainty.
Hurley, in his 11th season at Arizona State, has a 14-14 overall record this year with a 5-10 mark in Big 12 play. After guiding the Sun Devils to back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances in 2017 and 2018, Hurley has not advanced past the first round in recent campaigns. Another missed tournament would mark a three-year postseason drought, intensifying speculation about his future.
Capel, in his eighth season at Pittsburgh, has led the Panthers to just one NCAA Tournament appearance in 2023. With the team at 10-17 this season and little chance of an at-large bid, his position is highly vulnerable, despite a contract through 2029-30 and an eight-figure buyout. The Panthers’ limited postseason success has left fans and analysts questioning the program’s direction.
ESPN analyst Jeff Borzello reports that neither coach is expected to return next season. Hurley’s expiring contract and Capel’s struggles point toward significant changes, and there is even speculation that Capel could return to Duke in a staff role if Pittsburgh decides to part ways.
As the regular season wraps up, all eyes remain on Hurley and Capel. Their departures would not only mark the end of their current head coaching tenures but also leave a void in the legacy of former Blue Devils who once defined Duke’s identity on the court and in coaching ranks.