Felton Jeffrey Capel III is an American college basketball coach who is currently the head coach at the University of Pittsburgh. He was a successful college player at Duke University and has significant coaching experience, with previous head coaching roles at Virginia Commonwealth University and the University of Oklahoma.
February 12, 1975: Birth of Jeff Capel III
On February 12, 1975, Felton Jeffrey Capel III was born. He would go on to have a successful career as a basketball coach and former player.
1981: Oklahoma Men's Basketball Team Has Losing Season
The Oklahoma men's basketball team had a losing season in 1981, the first since 1946. It would be 29 years until their next losing season in 2010.
1982: Billy Tubbs' Second Year as Coach at Oklahoma
1982 marked Billy Tubbs' second year as the coach of the Oklahoma men's basketball team.
1993: Jeff Capel III Leads South View High School to State Championship
In 1993, Jeff Capel III led his high school basketball team to victory in the state championship game. He was a senior at South View High School in Hope Mills, North Carolina, and set school career records in points (2,066), rebounds (668), and assists (663).
1993: Jeff Capel III Begins Studies at Duke University
Jeff Capel III began his studies at Duke University in 1993, where he played basketball for the Duke Blue Devils.
February 2, 1995: Capel's Memorable Shot Against UNC
On February 2, 1995, during a game between Duke University and UNC, Jeff Capel III made a running 40-foot shot at the buzzer. This sent the game into double overtime. While Duke ultimately lost, the shot became a celebrated moment in Duke basketball history.
1996: VCU Makes First NCAA Tournament Appearance Since 1996
In 2004, Jeff Capel III lead the VCU Rams to their first NCAA Tournament appearance since 1996.
1997: Jeff Capel III Drafted by the Raleigh Cougars
After graduating from Duke University, Jeff Capel III was drafted in 1997 by the Raleigh Cougars of the USBL.
1997: Jeff Capel III Graduates from Duke University
In 1997, Jeff Capel III graduated from Duke University, where he was a starting guard on the basketball team.
1998: Capel Named to CBA All-Rookie Team
In 1998, Jeff Capel III was named to the CBA All-Rookie Team following a successful season playing for the Grand Rapids Hoops.
1999: Capel Plays Basketball in France
Jeff Capel III played two games for Élan Chalon in France in 1999.
2000: Capel Begins Coaching Career at Old Dominion University
Jeff Capel III began his coaching career in 2000 as an assistant coach at Old Dominion University. He worked alongside his father, Jeff Capel II.
2001: Capel Joins VCU Coaching Staff
In 2001, Jeff Capel III joined the coaching staff at Virginia Commonwealth University.
2002: Capel Becomes Youngest Head Coach in Division I Men's College Basketball
Jeff Capel III was promoted to head coach of the VCU Rams in 2002, making him the youngest head coach in Division I men's college basketball at 27 years old.
2003: Jeff Capel Marries Kanika Réale Blue
In 2003, Jeff Capel married Kanika Réale Blue, a Duke University alumna and the daughter of Daniel T. Blue, Jr.
2003: Capel Wins Coach of the Year Awards
Jeff Capel III was named both the Richmond Times-Dispatch and VaSID state Coach of the Year in 2003 after leading the Rams to their first NCAA Tournament appearance since 1996.
2004: VCU Faces Wake Forest in NCAA Tournament
Jeff Capel III coached the VCU Rams in a near-upset against Wake Forest in the 2004 NCAA Tournament.
2005: Capel Serves as Assistant Coach for USA Men's World University Games Team
Jeff Capel III joined the USA Men's World University Games Team as an assistant coach in 2005. The team won the gold medal in İzmir, Turkey.
April 11, 2006: Capel Named Head Coach of Oklahoma Men's Basketball Team
On April 11, 2006, Jeff Capel III was named the head coach of the Oklahoma men's basketball team. He replaced Kelvin Sampson, who left the team and caused three players who had committed to OU to reconsider.
2006: Kelvin Sampson's Last Year as Coach at Oklahoma
2006 marked the end of Kelvin Sampson's time as coach of the Oklahoma men's basketball team.
2008: Blake Griffin Announces Return to Oklahoma
Blake Griffin, a player for the Oklahoma men's basketball team, announced in 2008 that he would be returning for his sophomore season. This followed speculation that he would enter the NBA draft.
2009: Oklahoma Vacates Wins Due to Ineligible Player
During the 2009-10 season, Oklahoma had to vacate 13 regular season wins, including 4 conference wins, because they used an ineligible player.
2009: Oklahoma Ranked #13 in Pre-Season AP Poll
The Oklahoma men's basketball team was ranked #13 in the pre-season AP Poll in 2009.
April 2010: Oronde Taliaferro Resigns from Oklahoma
Oklahoma men's basketball assistant coach Oronde Taliaferro resigned in April 2010 without a reason given. There was subsequent speculation that it was related to an NCAA investigation.
March 2011: Capel Fired From Oklahoma
Jeff Capel III was fired from his role as head coach of the Oklahoma men's basketball team in March 2011 after two losing seasons.
May 8, 2011: Capel Returns to Duke as Assistant Coach
Jeff Capel III returned to his alma mater on May 8, 2011, joining the Duke men's basketball team as an assistant coach under Mike Krzyzewski.
August 2011: Oklahoma Admits to NCAA Violations
In August 2011, Oklahoma admitted that assistant coach Oronde Taliaferro had committed NCAA violations. Jeff Capel III was not implicated.
April 2014: Capel Promoted to Associate Head Coach at Duke
Jeff Capel III was promoted to associate head coach of the Duke men's basketball team in April 2014.
February 2, 2016: Capel Steps in as Head Coach for Duke
On February 2, 2016, Jeff Capel III temporarily took over as head coach for the Duke men's basketball team, guiding them to victory in a game against Georgia Tech. Mike Kryzewski, the team's usual head coach, was unable to coach the game due to illness.
January 2017: Capel Serves as Acting Head Coach for Duke
Jeff Capel III served as acting head coach for the Duke men's basketball team in January 2017. He filled in for Mike Krzyzewski while Krzyzewski recovered from back surgery.
March 27, 2018: Jeff Capel Hired as Head Coach at Pitt
On March 27, 2018, Jeff Capel was named the 16th head coach of the University of Pittsburgh's men's basketball program, succeeding Kevin Stallings.
2019: Capel Joins CBS and Turner as Guest Analyst
During the 2019 NCAA tournament, Jeff Capel took on a role as a guest TV studio analyst for the tournament's first round, working with CBS and Turner.
March 6, 2023: Jeff Capel Named ACC Coach of the Year
On March 6, 2023, Jeff Capel was recognized for his coaching prowess when he received the Atlantic Coast Conference men's basketball Coach of the Year award, having guided Pitt to a 21-10 record with 14 conference victories.