
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: FRIDAY, June 8, 1990                   TAG: 9006080472
SECTION: SPORTS                    PAGE: C1   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: DURHAM, N.C.                                LENGTH: Medium

KRZYZEWSKI NOT GOING TO CELTICS

Mike Krzyzewski, apparently worried over a possible rift between two top Boston Celtics officials, decided Thursday night to remain at Duke as basketball coach, according to newspaper reports.

The Charlotte Observer quoted sources in its Friday editions as saying Krzyzewski, the Duke coach for the past 10 years, withdrew his name from consideration.

The News and Observer of Raleigh said that Dave Gavitt, newly hired as the Celtics' director of basketball operations, and Red Auerbach, president of the club, clashed over Krzyzewski. Gavitt wanted the Duke coach; Auerbach balked at hiring a coach with no pro experience.

"Dave's been hung out to dry his first time out of the box," an NBA source was quoted as telling the Raleigh newspaper. "There's loose footing everywhere. Don't be surprised if he [Gavitt] resigns. He's been lied to in a big way."

According to the NBA source, Auerbach had thought that Gavitt preferred Chris Ford, an assistant to the fired Jimmy Rodgers, as coach of the Celtics. But when Auerbach learned that Gavitt planned to hire a coach with no NBA experience, he interceded and forced a showdown.

Krzyzewski was unavailable for comment, but sources told the Charlotte newspaper that he wasn't ready to give up coaching on the college level or to break the relationships he has developed at Duke. The sources said he would make his decision public this morning in a prepared statement.

The winningest coach in Duke history made his decision after meeting twice with athletic director Tom Butters Thursday night, according to the Observer report.

Butters could not be reached late Thursday for comment on Krzyzewski's decision but said early in the evening his aim in the talks was to help Krzyzewski make "the right decision for all the right reasons."

After the first meeting with Butters on Thursday, Krzyzewski said he wanted to make a decision by the weekend.

Krzyzewski had what he called "a very good" meeting Wednesday with Auerbach and Gavitt in Washington. Krzyzewski declined to discuss details of the meeting.

Auerbach refused to say whether Krzyzewski had been offered the job.

The Celtics reportedly offered a package worth about $2.5 million over five years.

by CNB