Duke basketball: Mike Krzyzewski lands job in NBA

Former Duke basketball head coach Mike Krzyzewski has found a new job. 

Maybe the whole retirement thing isn’t exactly for former Duke basketball head coach Mike Krzyzewski.

Krzyzewski has not been seen that often after hanging up his whiteboard last April despite being an Ambassador to Duke University in his post coaching career, but the Hall of Famer is getting back into basketball and leaving the college game.

Coach K was named as a Special Adviser to NBA Basketball Operations on Wednesday afternoon.

Krzyzewski job entails consulting with the league office, NBA team executives, and other across the association on issues related to the game and he begins his new role next week in Chicago with a meeting of NBA general managers.

“We are honored to have Coach K join the NBA family and share his vast experience and expertise with the league and our teams,” NBA President of League Operations Byron Spruell said in a statement.

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“As a preeminent coach and renowned leader who cares deeply about the game of basketball, he is uniquely suited to drive discussions and offer insights about the present and future of the NBA.”

Duke basketball former head coach nearly left Durham for NBA

Mike Krzyzewski nearly had a larger role in the NBA in 2004 after the Los Angeles Lakers offered him its head coaching position following Phil Jackson’s first tenure and he nearly accepted.

“This is a tremendous opportunity to deepen my connection to the NBA and participate in conversations about further strengthening the league and the game,” Krzyzewski said in a statement.

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“Even in my retirement from coaching, my passion for the sport has never been higher.  This role will enable me to stay engaged with basketball at the highest level.”

Krzyzewski will remain in his current position at Duke despite his new venture in the NBA.