Men's basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski let his feelings be known outright during Tuesday morning's Atlantic Coast Conference coaches teleconference, stating quite clearly that he supports Duke's current associate athletic director, Joe Alleva, as Tom Butters' replacement as the University's athletic director.
Although Krzyzewski chose not to refer to Alleva by name, his wording left little room for speculation.
"I'd like to see our internal candidate get it," Krzyzewski said. "We have a really good athletic department, and I think that would be the appropriate thing to do and in the best interests of Duke University."
While ACC assistant commissioner Tom Mickle is still rumored to be a candidate and has Duke ties, Alleva is the only remaining candidate who is currently employed by the University.
Krzyzewski's comments come a day after Utah athletic director Chris Hill removed his name from consideration for the position. While it is possible that unreported candidates may still be under consideration, the decision appears to be between Alleva and Iowa State athletic director Gene Smith.
No exact date has been set for the announcement, but Keohane is meeting with both Krzyzewski and the search committee charged with giving her a recommendation today. A decision could come as early as this week.
Krzyzewski has made his sentiments known and he is prepared to deliver his opinion to Keohane at this critical time. Still, he expressed his belief in the process itself and trust in the president's decision.
"There would be an appropriate time for her to talk to me about it when I should give my opinion and this is the time to do that," Krzyzewski said. "I have the utmost respect for President Keohane. Over the last few years especially, we have developed a close relationship. I admire what she's done for Duke and her decision-making is terrific. I think it will be in this case too. It'll be her decision, which it should be."
Krzyzewski additionally refused to speculate on what his reaction would be should Alleva not receive the job.
"That would go against my positive goal-setting," Krzyzewski said. "That would be like me going into a game and saying how I'm going to feel if we lose. I only think about how I'm going to feel when the best decision is made. For me to say what I think is the best decision, I've thought about and I don't have all the information as Nan is privy to. And I'm sure Nan will make the right decision."
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