Duke basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski has worked with U.S. basketball in some capacity since the 1980s. Krzyzewski recently helped coach the U.S. basketball team to a gold medal victory in the 2012 London Olympic Games. Now, his time in international basketball has come to an end. In an interview with ESPN Radio's "Mike & Mike in the Morning", Kryzewski said he will not be returning to coach the team following Duke's season.
Kyzyzewski had said there was a possibility the London Games were going to be his last as head coach of the national team. Now he reiterating his stance and saying he has not changed his stance on returning as head coach.
"I've loved, loved, loved it, and it's been an honor to be with USA Basketball and coach the team and work with Jerry Colangelo. These seven years have been marvelous. We've been in a good spot and we'll keep building," Kryzewski said.
Colangelo convinced Krzyzewski to return for one more Olympic cycle after the 2008 Beijing Games. There is no doubt he will attempt to convince the head coach to return for the World Championships in Madrid in 2014 or the Rio Olympic Games in 2016. Sources say it is very unlikely that Krzyewski will return to the program. Colangelo will have to wait until Duke's basketball season is over to have another conversation with him.
Krzyzewski was originally hired as head coach of USA Basketball in the wake of team's disappointing sixth place finish at the 2002 World Championships in Indianapolis and a bronze medal in the 2004 Olympic Games in Greece. Since being appointed coach, Team USA beat Spain in consecutive Olympic finals, including 2008 in Beijing and 2012 in London. Team USA won the 2010 FIBA World Championships in Turkey without a single Olympian on the roster.
Colangelo will work fast to try and find a replacement for Krzyzewski, but there is ultimately no rush on getting a new coach. Again, that is only when Krzyzewski gives his definite no to returning. USA Basketball will begin preparations for the 2014 world championships this summer in Las Vegas.
Duke basketball is currently 24-3 on the season. They are ranked No. 3 in the latest AP Top 25 poll.