Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, June 9, 1990 TAG: 9006090023
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B-3 EDITION: METRO O{ILLUSTRATION}
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: DURHAM, N.C. LENGTH: Medium
"That is stupid," Celtics President Red Auerbach said in reference to a reported power struggle between himself and Dave Gavitt, the team's new director of basketball operations. "It just shows the stupidity of some reporters. It's absolutely stupid. There is no credence to it at all.
"What we did was go into a lengthy discussion about the job, what it entailed, so on and so forth," Auerbach said in a telephone interview. "We never got down to the nitty gritty. He [Krzyzewski] said he was going back to think about it. And if he had the interest, we were interested."
Gavitt joked about the reported rift.
"I do have two complaints after a week with Red," Gavitt said. "He doesn't watch the road while talking to me while driving and he wants to eat Chinese food every meal."
Krzyzewski, who has led Duke to the NCAA Final Four in four of the past five seasons, turned down the job early Friday morning after a week of talks with head officials of the Celtics.
"I have withdrawn my name from consideration for the Boston Celtics coaching position," Krzyzewski said in a two paragraph statement released through the school's sports information department.
"I appreciate the opportunity to talk to the Celtics about the job and I appreciate Duke University allowing me to do so. I have made the decision to remain at Duke."
Krzyzewski, Duke's coach for the past 10 years, informed the Celtics and Duke athletic director Tom Butters of his decision late Thursday evening.
"It wasn't anything to do with money or personalities," Krzyzewski told Raleigh radio station WRAL-FM. "It [college coaching] is what I like doing and what I'm best suited to do.
"There was no formal contract offer. I think there was extreme interest on their part and on my part.
"If you are going to leave college coaching for the pros, the Celtics job has to be one of the best situations you can go into."
Butters said, "Obviously I'm pleased he's staying here but I'm more pleased that he's made a decision that he's comfortable with."
The News and Observer of Raleigh reported in Friday's editions that a source close to the Celtics told the newspaper a power struggle between Auerbach and Gavitt played a significant role in Krzyzewski's decision.
Gavitt, hired by the Celtics less than two weeks ago, wanted Krzyzewski for the job. But Auerbach, the most successful coach in NBA history, vigorously opposed plans to hire a coach with no professional playing or coaching experience, the source said.
Auerbach balked at Gavitt's desire to hire Krzyzewski, the source said, and most of the Celtics players, particularly those who have been with the franchise for more than a decade, were in favor the hiring of assistant Chris Ford as Boston's new coach.
Now with Krzyzewski out of the picture, Ford may become the leading candidate for the top job.
"No one has been offered the job," Gavitt said Friday. "I do hope we can conclude the process within a week."
by CNB