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Coach Mike Krzyzewski to stay at Duke
AARON BEARD
The Associated Press
DURHAM, N.C. (AP) -- Mike Krzyzewski is staying at Duke, ending talks with the Los Angeles Lakers about becoming their coach.
The school said Monday that Krzyzewski had informed the Lakers of his decision. An afternoon news conference on campus was scheduled.
Krzyzewski, who has led Duke to three national titles in his 24 years at the school, met with Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak on Thursday to discuss the team's coaching vacancy, one of the NBA's showcase positions.
The Lakers had no immediate comment Monday on the decision by Krzyzewski, who signed a lifetime contract with Duke three years ago.
The Lakers have been searching for a new coach since June 18, when coach Phil Jackson stepped down three days after an NBA Finals loss to Detroit.
The Los Angeles Times and ESPN had previously reported that Krzyzewski was offered the job, but Lakers officials had refused comment.
Kenny Randolph, father of Duke forward Shavlik Randolph, said Krzyzewski told him in a phone call late Monday morning that he would stay with the Blue Devils.
"He just basically said the thing sort of ballooned out of proportion and that he appreciated our friendship and confidence, and that he'd remain at Duke," Randolph said. "And that's all that had to be said.
"I told him, 'Gosh, coach. I've got chill bumps.' And he said, 'I do, too.'"
The 57-year-old Krzyzewski has a 621-181 record at Duke, leading the Blue Devils to championships in 1991, 1992 and 2001. Under Krzyzewski, the Blue Devils have 10 Final Four appearances, eight Atlantic Coast Conference tournament championships and 10 conference regular-season titles.
His Duke teams have been ranked No. 1 in 12 seasons, including each of the last seven.
Krzyzewski has had several flirtations with the NBA and has said he came close to leaving Duke in 1990 to coach the Boston Celtics.
Following the loss to the Pistons, the Lakers said Jackson wouldn't return. Jackson, who signed a five-year, $30 million contract with the Lakers in June 1999, guided them to championships in his first three seasons.
Former Rockets coach Rudy Tomjanovich has been considered the front-runner to succeed Jackson. He has met with team owner Jerry Buss and Kupchak.
Former Lakers coach Pat Riley, an executive with the Miami Heat, also met with Buss and Kupchak, but issued a statement saying he wasn't a candidate.
Among others mentioned have been Kurt Rambis and Jim Cleamons, members of Jackson's staff.
AARON BEARD
The Associated Press
DURHAM, N.C. (AP) -- Mike Krzyzewski is staying at Duke, ending talks with the Los Angeles Lakers about becoming their coach.
The school said Monday that Krzyzewski had informed the Lakers of his decision. An afternoon news conference on campus was scheduled.
Krzyzewski, who has led Duke to three national titles in his 24 years at the school, met with Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak on Thursday to discuss the team's coaching vacancy, one of the NBA's showcase positions.
The Lakers had no immediate comment Monday on the decision by Krzyzewski, who signed a lifetime contract with Duke three years ago.
The Lakers have been searching for a new coach since June 18, when coach Phil Jackson stepped down three days after an NBA Finals loss to Detroit.
The Los Angeles Times and ESPN had previously reported that Krzyzewski was offered the job, but Lakers officials had refused comment.
Kenny Randolph, father of Duke forward Shavlik Randolph, said Krzyzewski told him in a phone call late Monday morning that he would stay with the Blue Devils.
"He just basically said the thing sort of ballooned out of proportion and that he appreciated our friendship and confidence, and that he'd remain at Duke," Randolph said. "And that's all that had to be said.
"I told him, 'Gosh, coach. I've got chill bumps.' And he said, 'I do, too.'"
The 57-year-old Krzyzewski has a 621-181 record at Duke, leading the Blue Devils to championships in 1991, 1992 and 2001. Under Krzyzewski, the Blue Devils have 10 Final Four appearances, eight Atlantic Coast Conference tournament championships and 10 conference regular-season titles.
His Duke teams have been ranked No. 1 in 12 seasons, including each of the last seven.
Krzyzewski has had several flirtations with the NBA and has said he came close to leaving Duke in 1990 to coach the Boston Celtics.
Following the loss to the Pistons, the Lakers said Jackson wouldn't return. Jackson, who signed a five-year, $30 million contract with the Lakers in June 1999, guided them to championships in his first three seasons.
Former Rockets coach Rudy Tomjanovich has been considered the front-runner to succeed Jackson. He has met with team owner Jerry Buss and Kupchak.
Former Lakers coach Pat Riley, an executive with the Miami Heat, also met with Buss and Kupchak, but issued a statement saying he wasn't a candidate.
Among others mentioned have been Kurt Rambis and Jim Cleamons, members of Jackson's staff.
