After Leonard, Elko's departures, Duke football fans express range of emotions for program's present and future

It has certainly been a hectic few days for Duke football — a set that will define the future of the program. There has been no shortage of fan reactions, and a wide variety of opinions regarding former head coach Mike Elko’s Monday departure to Texas A&M and quarterback Riley Leonard’s Wednesday entrance into the transfer portal.

Duke football's Ja'Mion Franklin declares for the 2024 NFL Draft

The graduate defensive tackle announced his declaration for the 2024 NFL Draft Friday evening on X. 

Duke football quarterback Riley Leonard enters transfer portal, days after Elko's departure for Texas A&M

Junior signal caller Riley Leonard entered the transfer portal Wednesday, as he announced via an Instagram post. Early favorites to land the Fairhope, Ala., native are currently unknown.

A look at the possible destinations and opponents for Duke football in its bowl game

 For the second straight year, Duke football is going bowling. The Blue Zone takes a look at some potential destinations for Duke, as well as some possible postseason opponents.

9 potential candidates to succeed Mike Elko as Duke football head coach

With former head coach Mike Elko’s sudden departure, Duke’s seat is now vacant. Athletic director Nina King confirmed Monday that the search for a new head coach is underway. The Chronicle’s beat writers are here to offer some potential candidates for the job — both inside and outside the program.

Barton, Wilson, Carter named to All-ACC first team, headline 10 total conference awards for Duke football

After finishing its regular season with a victory against Pittsburgh to finish the season 7-5, the Blue Devils received even more praise Tuesday afternoon with the release of All-ACC teams. 

How Duke football players reacted on social media to Mike Elko's late-night departure for Texas A&M

When footage emerged of Elko arriving in College Station, Texas, early Monday morning, players were critical of the way he left. Current Blue Devils were not quiet on social media.

Timeline: A retrospective on the major dates, games and moments of Mike Elko's era of Duke football

With former head coach Mike Elko’s time at Duke officially over, let’s walk back through what happened while he was here — a very eventful 716 days full of triumphs, heartbreak and plenty of milestones. 

Blue Devil Blitz Episode 11: Coaching Carousel hits Duke

Column: In the wake of Elko's switch to Texas A&M, Duke football may struggle to preserve identity, on-field success

On Nov. 20, Elko said “We’re probably about 13 days away from complete anarchy and the Wild West. It’s literally open free agency for all of college football.” With his departure, that statement could not be any more true than right now in Durham.

Live tracker: Updating the transfer portal changes for Duke football ahead of head coach Manny Diaz's tenure

After the departure of former head coach Mike Elko, new head coach Manny Diaz is using the transfer portal to revamp the Blue Devil roster. Follow along here for rolling updates on these moves. 

Analyzing the numbers behind Mike Elko's tenure as Duke football head coach — and whether they will stick

The difference Elko made is obvious simply from the Blue Devils’ record: 5-18 across 2020 and 2021 without Elko, and 16-9 with him in 2022 and 2023. Diving even deeper into the numbers reveals just how instrumental Elko was in changing the culture of Duke football.

Head coach Mike Elko leaves Duke football for head coaching job at Texas A&M

Duke head coach Mike Elko may be manning the sidelines in a familiar shade of burgundy next season after numerous Sunday reports emerged that he is the preferred candidate for the vacant head coach position at Texas A&M.

Extra point: Offensive improvements, solid defense power Duke football past Pittsburgh

In its regular-season finale, Duke football earned a 30-19 victory against Pittsburgh. The Blue Zone is here to break down the Blue Devils’ win on Senior Day with three key takeaways, stats and a look ahead.

Duke football said goodbye to veteran figureheads in win against Pittsburgh, but its youth showed promise and poise

While the veterans were key cogs all season, it took their efforts plus the work of several promising youngsters to take down Pittsburgh 30-19, showing that the legacy of the 2023 senior class will continue via the rest of the roster.

Duke football downs Pittsburgh at home, slams door on 2023 season with Senior Day home victory

In its final regular season game of the year, Duke secured its second-straight winning season against the Panthers, with freshman quarterback Grayson Loftis throwing for 248 yards and junior receiver Jordan Moore totaling eight receptions for 106 yards.

5 observations and more from Duke football's first half against Pittsburgh

Duke welcomed Pittsburgh for its final home clash of the season at Wallace Wade Stadium Saturday afternoon, looking to wave its seniors goodbye on a triumphant note. With 30 minutes behind them, the Blue Devils are tied with the Panthers 10-10.

Beats' picks: Can Duke football overcome Pittsburgh to close regular season with home win?

After dropping its road contest against Virginia a week ago, the Blue Devils return home one final time in 2023 for a clash with Pittsburgh at Wallace Wade Stadium. The Chronicle’s beat writers are here for one final time this regular season to forecast whether Duke can emerge with a win.

Third and goal: Player connections, running backs' performance crucial for Duke football against Pittsburgh

The Blue Devils face Pittsburgh Saturday in their final regular-season contest. The Blue Zone is here to provide three keys to a Duke victory.

Scouting the opponent: Duke football must prepare for Hammond's rushing, stout secondary against Pittsburgh

Against Virginia, Duke struggled down the stretch, resulting in a loss to put it at 6-5 this season. Having failed to match last season’s 8-4 record, the Blue Devils will look to at least guarantee a winning season against Pittsburgh at home Saturday.