Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, May 28, 1994 TAG: 9405280053
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Knight-Ridder/Tribune
DATELINE: DURHAM, N.C. LENGTH: Medium
The NBA, meanwhile, denied a report in Thursday's Durham Krzyzewski (N.C.) Herald-Sun that said league Commissioner David Stern met with Krzyzewski this week in Miami and offered the Duke coach his choice of coaching jobs in the league.
"They definitely did not meet in Miami and David [Stern] said he had not talked to [Krzyzewski] in months," NBA spokesman Chris Brienza said. "I don't know where this story is originating."
In a brief statement released through the Duke basketball office Friday, Krzyzewski discounted suggestions he may leave because of academic problems related to the basketball team.
"I am looking at other coaching opportunities; however, this activity is not based on any poor performance by my players academically," Krzyzewski said.
He could not be reached for further comment.
Krzyzewski has led Duke to two national championships and six Final Four appearances in the past eight seasons.
Duke athletic director Tom Butters met with Krzyzewski at the school on Friday morning.
"We had a lengthy and fruitful discussion, but it was private," Butters said. "Mike is an extraordinarily talented man, and it is not uncommon that he is being approached. It has occurred before and I think he feels that he has a responsibility to look at his options.
"To say I am not concerned is wrong. If you believe you have the best coach in the country you don't want that in jeopardy. But I want him to desperately want to be here. His looking [at other jobs] is encouraged by me.
"He has had 14 years to know what this university is about. He's helped build it. Now he has to put that up against other opportunities."
Among the considerations is a contract Krzyzewski signed with Nike last year worth a reported $6.6 million over 16 years. Much of the money is linked to an annuity that may require Krzyzewski to remain a college coach.
The Trail Blazers are in the market for a new coach after firing Rick Adelman. Team owner Paul Allen recently told the (Portland) Oregonian that he was interested in Krzyzewski among others.
This week, questions arose about whether Krzyzewski might be interested in coaching the Miami Heat when he and his wife, Mickie, vacationed at Miami Beach. The Krzyzewskis' hotel reservation was made by Miami Heat part-owner Billy Cunningham. Krzyzewski said he wasn't in Miami for a job interview. According to published reports, neither Cunningham nor managing partner Lewis Shaffel was in town when the Krzyzewskis visited.
Krzyzewski turned down the Boston Celtics' head coaching job in the summer of 1990. At the time, Krzyzewski said he thought he'd have no further interest in the NBA.
However, since then, Krzyzewski got a taste of NBA basketball as an assistant coach on the U.S. Olympic team in 1992.
by CNB