ACC

People share stories, express gratitude as Duke football’s David Cutcliffe era ends

By Natalie Pierre

November 29, 2021 5:41 PM

Duke coach David Cutcliffe gets carried off the field by Sydney Sarmiento and Justin Foxx after the Blue Devils’ 27-25 win over UNC at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2013. ldecock@newsobserver.com

With Duke football’s David Cutcliffe era coming to an end Sunday, many who have been impacted by the coach took to social media to express gratitude.

Cutcliffe won 77 games during his 14 seasons as the Blue Devils’ head coach. Duke and the longtime coach parted ways Sunday following a season where the Blue Devils went 3-9 and were winless in the ACC.

In 2013, Cutcliffe earned both ACC and national coach of the year honors after leading Duke to the ACC Coastal Division championship and the program’s lone 10-win season.

So much love and respect for Coach Cutcliffe. What he did for Duke and me personally I will forever be grateful for. Gave me a second chance and has changed my life these past 4 years. Not any amount of words could properly describe how great of a man he is https://t.co/1ewHbmfcKx
— Jack Wohlabaugh (@JackWohlabaugh) November 28, 2021

My grandfather played at Duke and was on their '42 Rose Bowl team. When he died two years ago, my family notified the school since he was the team's last living player

Two weeks later, there's a handwritten note in my mailbox, signed by Cutcliffe. Can't express how much it meant https://t.co/vShdp00o9J
— Craig Meyer (@CraigMeyerPG) November 28, 2021

Coach Cutcliffe’s impact on my life has been profound. He taught me lessons as a player that I still use every single day. So many great memories to look back on but I am most thankful for our lifelong friendship. Thank you, Coach! There is no doubt Duke is better because of you!
— Dave Harding (@DaveHardingjr) November 29, 2021

Not too many coaches that care about the kids and football like Coach Cut does. Was blessed to be coached by him.
— Jacob Monk (@JacobMonk_) November 28, 2021

There are not enough words I can say about @DavidCutcliffe ! My first thought is an expression of gratitude and two words that we all learned growing up…Thank You! pic.twitter.com/CuPCghFHY3
— Gerald Harrison (@GJHJ) November 29, 2021

I’m honored to say for 14 years I had the privilege to work under and learn from one of the best. Despite winning SEC, ACC and National Coach of the year honors, his biggest contribution as a coach is making those around him better in every aspect. Thanks Coach @DavidCutcliffe. pic.twitter.com/reBlC7yzYR
— Derek Jones (@CoachdjCheetah) November 29, 2021

This story was originally published November 29, 2021 at 5:41 PM with the headline "People share stories, express gratitude as Duke football’s David Cutcliffe era ends."

Natalie Pierre

The News & Observer

Natalie Pierre is the sports editor at The News & Observer. Over the last 15 years, she has covered some of college football’s most successful programs extensively, served in top leadership roles for basketball coverage across the Southeast and reported on NCAA business, policies and legislation. A native of Lake Mary, Florida, her career includes stops at AL.com/The Birmingham News and the Tallahassee Democrat. She is a graduate of Syracuse University and Delta State University.

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