Duke parts ways with coach David Cutcliffe after 14 seasons
Duke and longtime head coach David Cutcliffe agreed to a mutual parting on Sunday.
The decision was announced one day after Duke finished its season by losing 47-10 to Miami. The Blue Devils went 3-9 and closed the season with eight straight setbacks.
Cutcliffe went 77-97 in 14 seasons at Duke, topped by a 10-4 mark in 2013. The Blue Devils played in six bowl games during his tenure.
“We are extremely grateful for David’s leadership over the past 14 seasons,” Duke athletic director Nina King said in a statement. “He lifted our program to unprecedented heights, both on and off the field, while maintaining the core values of the University and we could not be more appreciative of his mentorship of every student-athlete who played for Duke during his tenure.”
Cutcliffe guided the Blue Devils to five winning campaigns in a six-year span from 2013-18. But things disintegrated quickly and Duke went 10-25 over the past three seasons.
This season, Duke went 0-8 in Atlantic Coast Conference play, its first winless season in league play since 2007. The Blue Devils lost the eight games by an average of 31.8 points.
“Duke University will always hold a special place in our hearts,” Cutcliffe said in a statement. “To our current and former players please know how much joy you’ve brought to our lives. To all of our coaches and staff, many who have been with us for 14 years, you will always have our love and respect. …
“I’m not sure just yet what the future will look like, but I am looking forward to some family time to reflect a bit on the past and see what the future holds.”
Associate head coach Trooper Taylor will serve as interim head coach while Duke conducts its search.
–Field Level Media
