dismissed any chance of returning to coach at Duke.
"I think that is in the past," Gaudet said. "What's happened has happened. We've gone on to different things."
Gaudet, a 53-year-old native of Needham, Mass., took over the coaching reins from head coach Mike Krzyzewski in January when Krzyzewski was sidelined with back problems. While the 1994-95 season will surely be an infamous one in Duke's storied history, Krzyzewski dismissed the notion that Gaudet's retirement was related to the outcome of the season.
"Today has nothing to do with last season," Krzyzewski said Friday. "Today has to do with legislation. Yes, we're starting over, but we're not losing the traditions and principles that we've had."
Krzyzewski also voiced opposition to the salary measures. "When we lose good teachers and don't have a lot of flexibility with positions, we absolutely kill creativity," he said. "It's not good for the game and I hope in future legislation this is considered."
Gaudet has had several opportunities to assume one of the two other assistant positions, but he has been reluctant to move into a full-time position because of the travel those positions require. Even now, Krzyzewski must also find a replacement for former assistant Mike Brey, who resigned from his position on April 12 to become head coach at the University of Delaware.
"I agree with Mike [Krzyzewski] in his decision of what the full-time position should be," Gaudet said. "We've been through this before. It's a different position now than it was a few years ago. That person is going to be on the road a lot, and I don't think I'm the type of person that fits that role."
Gaudet will still direct basketball camps and take advantage of other coaching opportunities. On Saturday, he travels to Italy to conduct a basketball clinic.
"I'm doing [the clinic] without `restricted' attached to my name," Gaudet said. "Anything I do doesn't have that label anymore. It's not comfortable to have your salary splashed around and have that lingering."
Gaudet will also remain a member of the physical education department faculty.
"I think of myself as more of a teacher than as a coach," Gaudet said. "I want to continue working with young people. I still love Duke and I still love the kids here...Right now I'm committed to [staying at Duke]."
Krzyzewski first hired Gaudet as an assistant when he was the head coach at West Point in 1975. When Krzyzewski left for Duke in 1980, Gaudet became the head coach at Army. After serving as head coach for two years, Gaudet spent a year coaching in Kuwait before teaming up with Krzyzewski again at Duke in 1983.
During Gaudet's time at the University, the Blue Devils have been to seven Final Fours and won national championships in 1991 and 1992.
"He was a great guy for the big men," Trinity sophomore Carmen Wallace said. "If you really wanted to work on your skills, he'd give you a chance to do it anytime. [Gaudet] was a great friend."
Krzyzewski echoed these sentiments. "I admire everything he has done and how hard he has worked," he said. "Now we have the opportunity to write together and teach clinics together...Pete has a worldwide reputation. He's had to pass up so many opportunities. He has handled a difficult atmosphere wisely."
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