After implying that he'd not return to as Team USA head coach, Duke coach Mike Krzyewski acknowledged in a phone interview Saturday that he's re-opened discussions about a return to USA Basketball through the 2016 Olympics, according to Sports Illustrated.
"There's a chance," Krzyzewski said. "That's correct."
Though he's considering it, Krzyzewski hasn't made a final decision. Still his openness towards to position represents a significant change since last winning the gold medal in the 2012 London Olympic Games.
Krzyzewski admitted Saturday he and USA Basketball Chairman Jerry Colangelo have been in talks about his return for "quite a bit."
Colangelo emphasized on the talks on Saturday and said the two have been discussing his return "in installments."
"I think it's very close to being resolved," Colangelo said. "That's all I can say for sure."
Colangelo has planned on naming a coach by the start of the calendar year, but has deviated from doing so in an attempt to convince Krzyzewski to come back.
He also touched on rumors that he was in discussion with other candidates, including Boston Celtics coach Doc Rivers, San Antonio Spurs Gregg Popovich and former Philadelphia 76ers coach Doug Collins.
"I would never do that," Colangelo said about talking to other candidates. "I've said that from the beginning, for what he's invested in USA Basketball, he's entitled to make his decision before anyone."
If Coach K doesn't take the opportunity to return, Colangelo says he's "more than prepared to move forward."
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