UNC and Kansas Advance to NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament as Legendary Duke Coach Mike Krzyzewski’s Career Ends

Mike Krzyzewski watches his pre-match introductions before his last home game at Duke in March 2022.

Before becoming a coach, Krzyzewski played in the Army under another legendary coach, Bob Knight. Decades later, Krzyzewski eventually broke Knight’s record for most Division I coaching wins.

Krzyzewski and Knight coached Team USA together at the 1979 Pan American Games. At the time, Knight was the head coach of Indiana University. Krzyzewski was a head coach at the Army, his alma mater.

Krzyzewski speaks to the media after he was named Duke’s head coach in 1980.

Krzyzewski coached Billy King during a national title match against Louisville in 1986. Duke lost 72-69, but returned to the Final Four in five of the next six seasons.

Krzyzewski and Duke celebrated after winning the NCAA Final in 1991. It was a sweet redemption for the Blue Devils, who had been blown away in a national title match one year earlier.

Krzyzewski embraces the heart of his star, Christian Latner, after Lattner put his hitter on the Kentucky Blue Devils in the 1992 final. Duke went on to repeat as champions.

President George HW Bush welcomes Krzyzowski’s team to the White House after their 1992 title.

Krzyzewski and his longtime rival, North Carolina’s Dean Smith, spoke before a game in 1994. Smith retired in 1997.

Krzyzewski talks to Duke fans after naming the stadium at Cameron Indoor Stadium after him in 2000.

Krzyzewski celebrates with his daughters Jimmy, left, and Lady after Duke won his third national championship in 2001.

In 2001, Krzyzewski was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame. He was joined by his old coach Bob Knight, who introduced him during the ceremony. Other recruits that year were John Chaney, far left, and Moses Malone, second from right.

Krzyzewski shouts at an official during a home game against North Carolina in 2005.

Krzyzewski coaches LeBron James, left, and Carmelo Anthony during Team USA training in 2008. The team went on to win Olympic gold that year in Beijing.

Krzyzewski wears several gold medals while celebrating an Olympic victory with his team in 2008.

Krzyzewski salutes “Cameron Crazies” before Duke’s annual Blue-White game in 2008.

The Duke’s seat celebrates after the Blue Devils defeated Butler to win the national title in 2010.

Krzyzewski accepts the net after the 2010 Duke title.

Krzyzewski coaches his team during a rally in 2011.

Krzyzewski and Knight hug after Krzyzewski broke Knight’s record for most Division I coaching wins in 2011. Knight was in the match working as a TV commentator.

Krzyzewski and his wife, Mickey, watch a new banner to celebrate his winning record, at Cameron Indoor Stadium. To the left, the Duke’s former sporting director Tom Batters, who hired Krzyzewski.

LeBron James dumps the water at Krzyzewski after Team USA won an Olympic medal in 2012.

Duke fans cheer as Krzyzewski takes the floor before a home game in 2015.

Krzyzewski sits on the field during the 2015 national title game against Wisconsin. The Blue Devils went on to win the fifth championship.

Krzyzewski and Duke guard Quinn Cook celebrate their 2015 title.

Krzyzewski jokes with President Barack Obama while the Blue Devils visit the White House after their 2015 title.

Krzyzewski coached his team during a game in New York in 2015.

Duke fans hold cardboard cutouts of Krzyzewski’s face during a game in 2019.

Krzyzewski guides his team as assistant coach John Scheer shouts his back in 2019. Scheyer will succeed Krzyzewski as Duke’s head coach. Scheyer also played for Krzyzewski and was on the national title team in 2010.

Krzyzewski coached his team during the ACC Championship in 2021. Duke missed the NCAA Championship for the first time since 1995.

Krzyzewski and his wife Mickie left a press conference after he announced his retirement plans in 2021.

Krzyzewski is attending a pre-season event at Duke in 2021.

Souvenirs are displayed at the Duke Basketball Hall of Fame on the day of Krzyzewski’s last home game in March 2022.

Krzyzewski admits to the crowd after his last home game at Cameron Indoor Stadium. There were 96 former Duke players in attendance to watch the game, including Christian Latner, Grant Hill, Elton Brand and JJ Riddick. During the post-match party, Krzyzewski apologized for the loss and thanked the fans for their support over the years. “Our family grew up here – 10 grandchildren, our three beautiful daughters – and absolutely loved being part of the Duke family,” Krzyzewski said. “It’s hard for me to believe this is over.”

Krzyzewski is hugged by new star Paolo Banchero after Duke won his second round match at this year’s NCAA Tournament.

Krzyzewski and his players pose for photos after their victory over the Western District at the NCAA Tournament. The Blue Devils defeated Arkansas to book their place in the Final Four.

Krzyzewski looks at the audience before the start of Duke’s Final Four match against North Carolina.

Krzyzewski talks with his team during a layover at the Final Four.