Mike Krzyzewski comments on special night, addresses fans and family

After a night of emotional tributes to the legendary Duke head coach’s legacy, Mike Krzyzewski spoke about how much his family and career means to him. Although the game against their rivals North Carolina ended with a loss, the postgame ceremony was special for everyone involved.

Mike Krzyzewski speaks on special night

“Thank you so much for these honors,” said Krzyzewski as he began to speak, surrounded by his family. “This is our home. 42 years ago Tom Butters, the athletic director took a chance on me. And when he offered me the job he said ‘it’s not your job, it’s your family’s job.’ He set the standard right away of saying ‘whatever you’re doing, include your family.’ And we have taken that, and everyone — that’s what Duke is about. So our family has grown up here. Ten grandchildren, our three beautiful daughters — and we have absolutely loved being part of the Duke family. It’s hard for me to believe this is over. So I’m just gonna say the regular season is over.

“What most people — there’s no way you can understand the commitment that my family has made to me. The many hours, the days, the weeks or whatever that I was able to jump in the deep end with our program and they allowed me to do that. I think they allowed me to do it because they knew I loved it. They love me and I love them. You don’t do this without that level of support. I never, from my three daughters, had them say ‘Dad you love basketball more than me.’ It’s never been said because it’s not right. I love my family more than basketball.

“But my family loves basketball too, and that’s what’s made this so incredibly good. Mickie and I are going to stay on after this season is over to be ambassadors for the school.”

After receiving loud cheers from everyone in attendance with the announcement that he would remain involved with Duke’s program in some capacity, Krzyzewski turned his attention to the longevity of his career and all of the players he’s coached along the way.

“I’ve done what I love my whole life,” continued Krzyzewski. “I didn’t realize that I would be doing it for 42 years at the place that I loved. And when you combine the coaching and the place and the city of Durham all together — you can’t be any luckier than me.

“I want to thank all of you. I tried to do with you what my coach did when I was 16. And for the most part I think it worked. And I think that’s why we have the brotherhood. That’s not gonna go away. It’s not gonna go away. We have a great succession plan. Jon Scheyer — will carry on the tradition of Duke basketball and the brotherhood and you can count on that.”

“We didn’t play well [tonight], and there were times when you didn’t either,” joked Krzyzewski to his former players in attendance. “First of all, look what you’re a part of. Are you kidding me? Are you kidding me? We need to fight for Duke, we need to fight for the brotherhood and we need to fight with all of our might through the remainder of this season. Then, I’ll be ready to get the hell out of here.”