College Sports

Johnny Dawkins, former Duke player and longtime assistant to head coach Mike Kryzewski, will be introduced on Monday as the new head coach at Stanford University.

Normally, I wouldn’t write about something that is going to be covered by every media outlet, but this one caught my eye because Dawkins has been with the Duke program for so long.  He has been an assistant with the program since the 1997-98 season, and served the last nine as associate head coach.  Not only that, but Dawkins departure breaks apart the longest continuous serving staff in the ACC, a highly loyal group of assistants who all played for Kryzewski.

And Kryzewski knows Dawkins value to the Duke program will be sorely missed.  “In my 28 years at Duke,” said Kryzewski, ”no one did more to build our program as a player, coach or a person than Johnny Dawkins.”

Big words from a Hall of Fame coach.  But words that ring true.

Dawkins will be leaving one coast for another, but the situations have many similarities, beginning with the emphasis that each puts on education.  No gimmies at either institution.

 This will be Dawkins first head coaching position.  I have long wondered if he is being groomed at some level to take over for Kryzewski when he retires.  Of course, Coach K is showing no signs of retiring, and Dawkins is only 44.  The Stanford job is a great coaching position.  He is left with a team that advanced to the regional semifinals, although they are losing twin seven footers Brooke and Robin Lopez, who have declared for the draft.  No matter, I bet the Cardinal will thrive under their new head coach.  Stanford is a wonderful opportunity… a beautiful campus, great school, and strong athletic traditions.  Win Win Win situation.

Stanford is getting a good man, and Dawkins is getting a good University.  We wish them both success.

LT

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