David Cutcliffe's Musical Taste Stands Alone Among Coaches

Duke coach remains loyal to former player in musical survey

Duke coach David Cutcliffe is loyal to his former players and their families.

In a survey taken by Stadium’s Brett McMurphy, the website asked all 130 FBS coaches and major conference commissioners to name their favorite musical artist or group.

Cutcliffe chose John Mellencamp.

The classic rock singer from America’s heartland also went by the name John Cougar in the 80s and is known for hits like “Jack & Diane,” “Pink Houses,” and “Hurts So Good.”

Mellencamp’s son, Hud walked on at Duke as a cornerback, later moving to wide receiver. He appeared in three games on kickoffs for the Blue Devils.

#AintThatAmerica, John Cougar Mellencamp on hand to see Hud off on Duke Football Senior Day. #wral pic.twitter.com/VW9PtAL19J

— Jared Fialko (@JFiWISN) November 14, 2015

John Mellencamp made an appearance at the Chick fil A Bowl in Atlanta following the 2013 season, delivering the official game ball to the Blue Devils in a pregame ceremony.

Mellencamp also brought his Farm Aid concert series to nearby Raleigh the following year.

Cutcliffe was the only college coach or administrator in the survey to pick Mellencamp as his favorite artist.

Kenny Chesney, Eric Church and the Dave Matthews Band were the top three vote-getters among coaches and commissioners.

In the ACC, UNC’s Mack Brown and Louisville’s Scott Satterfield picked Church. Virginia Tech’s Justin Fuente chose Dave Matthews.

Here’s the entire ACC list:

Commissioner John Swofford – Oliver

(This is the 1960s pop singer who sang Good Morning Starshine from the musical Hair. He's also Swofford's older brother.)

Steve Addazio, Boston College – James Taylor
Dabo Swinney, Clemson – Garth Brooks
David Cutcliffe, Duke – John Mellencamp
Willie Taggart, Florida State – Tupac
Geoff Collins, Georgia Tech – Stick Figure
Scott Satterfield, Louisville – Eric Church
Manny Diaz, Miami – U2
Mack Brown, North Carolina – Eric Church
Dave Doeren, NC State – Merle Haggard
Pat Narduzzi, Pitt – AC/DC
Dino Babers, Syracuse – James Brown
Bronco Mendenhall, Virginia – Jack Johnson
Justin Fuente, Virginia Tech – Dave Matthews Band
Dave Clawson, Wake Forest – Talking Heads