Mike Krzyzewski Kobe Bryant
Photo: Yahoo Sports

Mike Krzyzewski, the legendary NCAA and Duke coach, revealed he has denied several opportunities to coach in the NBA.

In an interview with WIP sports radio in Philadelphia, ‘Coach K’ claimed he has turned down the Los Angeles Lakers, Philadelphia 76ers and Boston Celtics over the years.

That’s what Krzyzewski said, per sportsnaut.com:

TWO TIMES, I WAS PRETTY INTERESTED. IN 1990, WHEN DAVE GAVITT TOOK OVER THE BOSTON CELTICS, I DID INTERVIEW WITH THEM. AND IN 2005, WITH THE LAKERS, AT THE END OF THE DAY, I DIDN’T DO IT.

“IRONICALLY, IN 1990, WHEN I DIDN’T DO IT, THE NEXT TWO YEARS, WE WON OUR FIRST TWO NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS. IN 2005, WHEN I DIDN’T ACCEPT THE OFFER, A FEW MONTHS LATER, JERRY COLANGELO OFFERED ME THE OPPORTUNITY TO COACH THE NATIONAL TEAM AS THE FIRST NATIONAL TEAM (PERMANENT) COACH. I WAS ABLE TO DO THAT FOR 11 YEARS. I GOT MY NBA FIX, SO TO SPEAK. I’M REALLY HAPPY I GOT THAT.”

Duke’s legendary coach has won 5 NCAA titles, while he helmed the Blue Devils’ program since 1980. He has also led Team USA to three Olympic gold medals in Beijing, London and Rio De Janeiro.