David Cutcliffe isn’t going anywhere any time soon.
The Duke football coach announced today he will continue in his current job, quashing some published reports that the former long-time Tennessee assistant was to be the Volunteers’ new head coach.
“After much thought and consideration, Karen and I reached the decision that Duke is the place for our family,” Cutcliffe said in a statement released by the university. “We have both family members and lifetime friends in the Knoxville community and share a deep respect for the University of Tennessee. Our ties to the school and the Eastern Tennessee area are obvious. But before Tennessee’s hiring process comes to a conclusion, I know that Duke University is where we want to coach.
“I’ve said all along that what makes Duke so special is the people, and that is the truth. We’ve received tremendous support from President Brodhead, Kevin White and the rest of the school’s administration and are very grateful for their efforts. We have the best coaching staff in the country, and are convinced that we will continue to build a successful football program that both the Duke and Durham communities will be proud of.”
Duke athletic director Kevin White was happy to hear the news.
“David Cutcliffe informed us this morning that he intends to remain the Duke football coach for a long time,” White said in the statement. “He is a tremendous football coach, and an even better person with a terrific family. Simply put, we could not be happier or more excited about the future of the Blue Devil football program.
“In just two years, David and his stellar coaching staff have made a significant impact on the department, the university and the Durham community. Together, we look forward to building on that great work for many years to come. Under David’s guidance and with the strong support of university leadership, Duke is committed to building a football program consistent with the standard of excellence exhibited throughout the entire institution.”
Duke is 9-15 over Cutcliffe’s two seasons at the helm after getting just 10 wins over the previous eight seasons. Duke has won four ACC games under Cutcliffe after winning just three during the aforementioned eight-year span.
“We are extremely excited about the future of this program,” the coach said. “From the players we have returning, to our work on the recruiting front to our facility projects, we know we’re headed in the right direction.”
The Blue Devils will return 41 lettermen including 17 starters from last season’s 5-7 squad.