In a move that could shake up the coaching landscape, Duke is gearing up to welcome Scott Benzel, the head football coach from Westminster (Pa.), to Manny Diaz's 2026 Blue Devil coaching staff. Reports from the Youngstown/Warren area confirm that Benzel has accepted an assistant coaching role at Duke, though the university has yet to make an official announcement regarding his position or title.
As Benzel prepares for this new chapter, Westminster has named offensive coordinator EJ White as the interim head coach. This decision comes as the school embarks on a nationwide search for a permanent replacement.
Benzel's tenure at Westminster began in January 2014, and he boasts an impressive 77-34 overall record over 11 seasons, with a 66-25 mark in conference play. His leadership saw Westminster achieve an 8-3 record in 2024, culminating in a victory at the Extra Points Bowl.
Duke, fresh off a successful 9-5 season that featured a 6-2 record in the ACC, an ACC Championship, and a Sun Bowl win in 2025, is looking to bolster its coaching staff. If Benzel's hiring is finalized, it will be a significant addition as Diaz continues to refine his team for the upcoming season.