Mike Krzyzewski was adamant about leaving the USA Basketball program following the 2012 Olympics in London which produced yet another gold medal for the men's basketball program. Now the Duke basketball head coach could be changing his mind.
In a phone interview with Sports Illustrated, Krzyzewski admitted there is a chance that he'll return to USA Basketball. Krzyzewski revealed that he and USA Basketball Chairman Jerry Colangelo have been talking about a deal that would keep Krzyzewski in charge through the 2016 Olympics in Rio De Janeiro. As recently as February, Krzyzewski insisted he was not going to reprise his role as coach of USA Basketball.
Since taking the helm of USA Basketball in 2005, Krzyzewski has gone 62-1 in international play, including gold medals in the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, the 2010 FIBA World Championships in Istanbul and the 2012 Games in London. His sole bronze medal came during the 2006 World Championships in Japan, where team USA lost to Greece.
Colangelo says that a final decision from Krzyzewski could be made in as little time as a week.
Even if Krzyzewski does return, there will be changes to his coaching staff, which previously included Lakers head coach Mike D'Antoni, former Trailblazer head coach Nate McMillan and Syracuse head coach Jim Boeheim. Boeheim is not expected to be cut from the coaching staff. If Krzyzewski does not return, possible replacements include Boston Celtics head coach Doc Rivers and San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich.
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