Duke AD: Mike Krzyzewski could coach at least five more years
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Duke head coach Mike Krzyzewski underwent hernia surgery on Monday but athletic director Kevin White expects him to coach at least five more years, according to The News & Observer.
Krzyewski, 69, is expected to fulfill the five remaining years on his contract that runs through the 2020-21 season.
“Mike has a five-year contract in place and his intention is to honor that contract at a minimum," White said. “Given his unparalleled passion for leadership and the sport of basketball it would not surprise me at all if Mike coaches beyond his current contact. To be sure, and I've said this many times, we have the greatest coach at any level and in any sport representing Duke University. So I'd stand behind any of that. And he's in great shape.”
The biggest concern with Krzyewski is his health, as the coach was hospitalized in February and underwent total knee replacement surgery in April before Monday's operation.
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Kzyewski is also preparing for one last run at the Olympics, where Team USA is aiming for its third straight gold medal. The U.S. men’s national team has won 63 consecutive games dating back to 2006.
San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich has already been chosen to succeed Krzyzewski as head coach of USA Basketball after the 2016 Olympics. Krzyzewski will move into a special advisory role for the 2017–2020 window.
After Rio, he will return to Duke for his 37th season. Duke finished last season 25–11, losing to Oregon in the Sweet 16 round of the NCAA tournament.
