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Duke Blue Devils: Potential Candidates to Eventually Replace Mike Krzyzewski

By Chris Godfrey

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The Best of the Rest

Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Johnny Dawkins (Stanford) – Johnny Dawkins was ridiculously loyal to Coach K during his time as an assistant, batting away head coaching offers annually before finally leaving for Stanford. Since arriving in Palo Alto, Dawkins has managed an odd interpretation of success. He has a 20-win season that ended in the semifinals of the CBI. He’s also won the Postseason NIT twice. Unfortunately, he’s only made the Big Dance once (a Sweet Sixteen appearance in 2014). That doesn’t sound like the type of track record that would justify bringing him back to Duke. Then again, if Dawkins never left the Duke bench, we’d be hailing him as a top candidate.

Bobby Hurley (Arizona State) – One of Coach K’s most memorable players is now starting to make his mark as a head coach. After leading the Buffalo Bulls to a MAC Tournament title and an NCAA Tournament bid, Bobby Hurley will have a few years to rejuvenate the Sun Devils before Coach K vacates his post at Duke. If Hurley turns Arizona State into a contender, he’ll be a legitimate candidate to return to Durham.

Chris Collins (Northwestern) – If Chris Collins can get Northwestern to the NCAA Tournament, not only should he be considered as a potential candidate to coach Duke, he should also be considered a potential candidate for president of the United States. Winning at Northwestern is tough. Think of it this way…no one has ever done it. 

Steve Wojciechowski (Marquette) – The Coach Woj era is just beginning in Milwaukee, but Steve Wojciechowski is off to a hot start as a recruiter. If he can maintain that momentum and become a major player in the Big East, Duke may be interested in bringing him back. Woj is one of the younger potential candidates on this list, meaning a concerted effort to make a youthful hire could make him a viable option.

Next: Breaking Down Gonzaga's Frontcourt D

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