The independent news organization of Duke University
After the departure of former head coach Mike Elko Monday morning, there has already been rearranging in the program as players and staffers depart, while the new coach — who has yet to be determined — will likely bring in different personnel. Follow along here for rolling updates on these moves.
In his first address to the Duke community, Diaz put an emphasis on team unity, grit and the need to build, not rest, on past successes.
Diaz comes to Durham after spending two seasons as the defensive coordinator at Penn State, which led the country in total defense in 2023.
From his hiring, when he said that “now is the time for Duke football,” Elko was supposed to be the guy to bring the Blue Devils into national prominence. But he nonetheless decided to leave, and leaves a complicated question behind him. What now?
As Duke football prepares for its bowl game, several former Blue Devils are helping their teams vie for the playoffs. The Blue Zone breaks down some alumni making a difference with their performances.
Duke has been selected to play Troy in the Birmingham Bowl at Protective Stadium Dec. 23 at 12 p.m. ET. The Blue Devils are headed to their second bowl game in as many years, and will take on the Trojans for the third time in program history and the first time since 2014.
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.
The graduate defensive tackle announced his declaration for the 2024 NFL Draft Friday evening on X.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.