Scheyer Reloads Duke Staff: Internal Promotion and Two Key Hires Follow Will Stephens’ Departure

In the ever-competitive world of college basketball, maintaining consistency on a coaching staff is a luxury few programs enjoy for long. At Duke University, head coach Jon Scheyer is responding to change with both strategic loyalty and bold new additions.

Following the retirement of long-time strength and conditioning coach Will Stephens, a staple of Duke Basketball’s physical development infrastructure, Scheyer wasted no time reshaping his staff. In a decisive series of moves, he elevated a familiar face from within and brought in two prominent names from outside the program — including a returning Blue Devil.

Will Stephens, who spent over a decade with the program, quietly announced his retirement, leaving behind a legacy defined by excellence, innovation, and player-first development. His efforts helped mold NBA-caliber athletes like Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram, and Paolo Banchero into the physical forces they became under the Blue Devils’ banner.

Rather than looking outside for every solution, Scheyer demonstrated confidence in the foundation built at Duke. One of his first moves was the promotion of David Bradley, who has served various roles within the program’s support structure since the early 2000s. Long recognized for his behind-the-scenes impact — particularly in team operations, analytics, and cultural stewardship — Bradley has now taken on an expanded role that cements his position in the inner circle of Scheyer’s leadership.

Bradley’s elevation sends a clear message: continuity matters. Scheyer understands that while strategy and recruiting change, Duke’s identity is built from within. By rewarding a loyal figure already embedded in the team’s DNA, he’s reinforcing the core values passed down from Coach Mike Krzyzewski’s era.

To address the specific gap left by Stephens’ departure in physical conditioning and player performance, Scheyer reached into the ACC ranks and hired Preston Greene, who had spent the past 14 years at Clemson.

Greene brings with him a wealth of experience, both collegiate and professional, including stints at Stanford and the University of Florida. His reputation as a forward-thinking strength coach — one who blends traditional conditioning methods with cutting-edge sports science — made him a natural fit for a program that continues to innovate without losing its classic edge.

At Clemson, Greene was known for helping transform the Tigers into one of the most physically resilient teams in the conference. He’s widely praised for his individualized approach to athlete development and his emphasis on recovery and injury prevention — an increasingly vital area of focus in the modern game.

With Greene’s arrival, Duke not only gains a seasoned veteran but a performance architect capable of keeping the Blue Devils at the peak of their physical game throughout the grueling college basketball season.

The Blue Devils’ final major staff addition has a particularly nostalgic twist: the return of Tyler Thornton, a former Duke point guard and assistant coach under Patrick Ewing at Georgetown. Known during his playing days for his leadership, defensive tenacity, and clutch play, Thornton’s reunion with Duke marks a homecoming that has fans and alumni alike buzzing.

Thornton played at Duke from 2010 to 2014, appearing in over 140 games. His understanding of the program’s expectations, its competitive intensity, and the values instilled by Coach K make him a uniquely qualified figure to help shepherd the next generation of Blue Devils.

He most recently served in a player development and assistant coaching role at Georgetown, where he earned praise for his recruiting ties and for building strong relationships with athletes. His return to Duke adds a strong communicator and motivator to the coaching bench — someone who’s lived the Duke life and can help players navigate both its privileges and its pressures.

In total, Scheyer’s response to Stephens’ retirement was a demonstration of balance — preserving Duke’s traditions while modernizing its approach. The combination of Bradley’s promotion, Greene’s elite performance background, and Thornton’s passion and perspective give Duke a refreshed yet familiar energy.