Krzyzewski says he has no interest in Nets job - Jets Insider.com Forums

DevsJetsYanks88 · 04-05-2010, 05:55 PM

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/tourna...ory?id=5056964

Quote:

Krzyzewski: Nyet to Nets

Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski told ESPN.com Monday morning that "I wouldn't have any interest in the job," even if incoming New Jersey Nets owner Mikhail Prokhorov offers to make him the highest-paid coach in the NBA.

The Bergen (N.J.) Record reported Monday that Prokhorov, despite Krzyzewski's earlier public expressions of disinterest, has continued to target Coach K as his No. 1 choice to coach the Nets once the NBA's board of governors approves his purchase of the majority ownership of the franchise from Bruce Ratner.

Los Angeles Lakers coach Phil Jackson is currently the NBA's highest-paid coach with a $12 million salary, and the Record said Prokhorov might be willing to offer Krzyzewski in the range of $12 million to $15 million annually.

"I haven't been contacted," Krzyzewski said as he rode the team bus to Duke's shootaround in preparation for Monday night's NCAA championship game against Butler in Indianapolis. "I wouldn't have any interest in the job. You would be flattered if someone would offer you a job, but I would not be interested."

Krzyzewski strongly considered jumping from Duke to the NBA in 2004 when he was offered the head-coaching position with the Lakers, but he has maintained in the years since that he is now totally committed to Duke and to USA Basketball, where he has signed to coach the U.S. senior men's national team through the 2012 Olympics.

Coach K reiterated at his news conference Sunday in Indianapolis that he plans to stay at Duke even after he retires from coaching.

"I haven't changed in that regard," Krzyzewski said Monday, adding of the Lakers opportunity in 2004: "The Lakers thing, with their franchise and my history with Kobe, if you were going to do it, I don't know how you can jump for anything better than that."

Revi$_I$l@nd · 04-05-2010, 05:59 PM

I don't blame him.

Coach K is a staple at Duke and they'd probably throw a boatload of money at him just to see him stay.

Wouldn't be the same amount he'd get for the Nets gig but enough that he'd be willing to stay where he's comfortable and loved.

DevsJetsYanks88 · 04-05-2010, 06:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Revi$_I$l@nd

I don't blame him.

Coach K is a staple at Duke and they'd probably throw a boatload of money at him just to see him stay.

Wouldn't be the same amount he'd get for the Nets gig but enough that he'd be willing to stay where he's comfortable and loved.

Agreed, and I think it's best for both sides. He's a legend at Duke and I think the Nets would be better suited to bring in Van Gundy. I'm always wary about college coaches making that transition to the NBA.

Bay Ridge Jet · 04-05-2010, 06:15 PM

Rad Russian is going to be the best thing to happen to Brooklyn. Too bad the Nets wont be im Brighton Beach.

K-Met57 · 04-05-2010, 06:25 PM

Coach K is the best coach in college basketball because of his ability to coach kids who are not top shelf talent but are willing to learn and follow direction...the NBA is the polar opposite...guys with all the talent that don't want to hear anyone talk outside of them-selfs. No way Coach K leaves duke.

VincenzoTestaverde · 04-05-2010, 10:15 PM

Don't really understand the sense in offering Coach K a boatload of money when recent college icons like Calipari and Pitino have failed miserably in the NBA. It could be that they are banking on him being a good recruiter of free agents this summer the way he is with kids coming out of high school.

I don't think Van Gundy is a great choice for the Nets either. He's not popular with NBA players unlike D'Antoni who is respected and beloved by anyone who has ever played for him.

04-05-2010, 05:59 PM	#2
Revi$_I$l@nd is Cro-ing H.A.M...Whatever that means Banned Join Date: Jan 2010 Posts: 2,489	I don't blame him. Coach K is a staple at Duke and they'd probably throw a boatload of money at him just to see him stay. Wouldn't be the same amount he'd get for the Nets gig but enough that he'd be willing to stay where he's comfortable and loved.

04-05-2010, 06:15 PM	#4
Bay Ridge Jet All Pro Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: New York City Posts: 7,198	Rad Russian is going to be the best thing to happen to Brooklyn. Too bad the Nets wont be im Brighton Beach.

04-05-2010, 06:25 PM	#5
K-Met57 Jets 38 Bills 17 All Pro Join Date: Apr 2003 Posts: 9,204	Coach K is the best coach in college basketball because of his ability to coach kids who are not top shelf talent but are willing to learn and follow direction...the NBA is the polar opposite...guys with all the talent that don't want to hear anyone talk outside of them-selfs. No way Coach K leaves duke.

04-05-2010, 10:15 PM	#6
VincenzoTestaverde laughing at the Pledge Against America Banned Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: NYC Posts: 9,162	Don't really understand the sense in offering Coach K a boatload of money when recent college icons like Calipari and Pitino have failed miserably in the NBA. It could be that they are banking on him being a good recruiter of free agents this summer the way he is with kids coming out of high school. I don't think Van Gundy is a great choice for the Nets either. He's not popular with NBA players unlike D'Antoni who is respected and beloved by anyone who has ever played for him.