Report: Miami hires Duke assistant Jai Lucas as head coach
Duke associate head coach Jai Lucas signed a deal to take the Miami job, sources told ESPN's Jeff Borzello.
Lucas will leave the Blue Devils and join the Hurricanes after the conclusion of the regular season, Borzello reports. An official announcement is expected Thursday.
The 36-year-old has played a key role in recruiting for the No. 2 Blue Devils, helping them land commitments from Cooper Flagg and incoming prospects Cameron and Cayden Boozer.
Lucas has spent his coaching career as an assistant with Texas, Kentucky, and Duke. He was elevated to associate head coach for the Blue Devils in 2023.
Lucas also played collegiately at Florida from 2007-08 and Texas from 2009-11.
Jim Larranaga stepped down as Miami head coach in December after 14 seasons with the school. The Hurricanes went 4-8 under the 75-year-old this season. Associate Bill Courtney was then named interim bench boss, leading Miami to a 2-16 record after Larranaga's departure.
The Hurricanes made March Madness six times with Larranaga at the helm, including a Final Four appearance in 2023.