Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Mike Krzyzewski

Discover the career path of Mike Krzyzewski, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Mike Krzyzewski, known as Coach K, is a celebrated former college basketball coach. He led Duke University from 1980 to 2022, achieving remarkable success. His accomplishments include five national championships, 13 Final Four appearances, 15 ACC Tournament titles, and 13 ACC regular-season titles. Considered one of the greatest college basketball coaches ever, only John Wooden has more NCAA championships. Krzyzewski's impact on the sport and his legacy at Duke are undeniable.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1966: Krzyzewski Played Point Guard at Army

In 1966, Krzyzewski began playing point guard at Army under coach Bob Knight.

1968: Krzyzewski Leads Cadets to NIT

In 1968, Krzyzewski was the captain of the Army basketball team, leading the Cadets to the National Invitation Tournament (NIT) in New York City.

1969: Krzyzewski at Army

In 1969, Krzyzewski ended his career as a point guard at Army under coach Bob Knight.

1974: Discharge from Active Duty

In 1974, Krzyzewski was discharged from active duty with the rank of captain and started his coaching career as an assistant on Knight's staff with the Indiana Hoosiers.

1978: NIT Berth with Army

In 1978, Krzyzewski led the Army Cadets to an NIT berth.

March 18, 1980: Named Head Coach at Duke University

On March 18, 1980, Krzyzewski was named the head coach at Duke University after five seasons at Army.

1990: Offer from the Boston Celtics

After the 1990 season, the Boston Celtics offered a coaching position to Krzyzewski, but he declined the offer.

1994: Pursued by the Portland Trail Blazers

In 1994, Krzyzewski was pursued by the Portland Trail Blazers, but he again chose to stay with Duke.

2004: Interviewed by Los Angeles Lakers

In 2004, Krzyzewski was interviewed by the Los Angeles Lakers, who made him a formal offer, but he turned it down.

2005: Appointed National Team Coach

In 2005, Krzyzewski was appointed coach of the U.S. national team through the 2008 Olympics.

2006: Establishment of the Emily Krzyzewski Center

In 2006, Mike Krzyzewski and his family founded the Emily Krzyzewski Center, a non-profit organization affiliated with Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Durham, named in honor of Krzyzewski's mother. The center aims to inspire students from kindergarten to high school to achieve their potential as leaders.

August 24, 2008: Olympic Gold Medal

On August 24, 2008, Krzyzewski's U.S. team won the gold medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

2008: Coached US National Team

In 2008, Krzyzewski coached the national team through the 2008 Olympics.

2008: Head Coach of Redeem Team

In 2008, Krzyzewski was the head coach of the United States men's Olympic basketball team known as the "Redeem Team".

February 13, 2010: Krzyzewski's 1,000th Game

On February 13, 2010, which was his 63rd birthday, Krzyzewski coached in his 1,000th game as the Duke head coach.

2010: FIBA World Championship Gold Medal

In 2010, Krzyzewski coached the U.S. team for the FIBA World Championship, leading Team USA to a perfect 9-0 record and a gold medal.

2010: New Jersey Nets Offer

In 2010, the New Jersey Nets were reportedly willing to pay Krzyzewski between $12 million and $15 million per season, but he declined the offer.

March 20, 2011: Krzyzewski Wins 900th Game

On March 20, 2011, Krzyzewski won his 900th game, becoming the second of three Division I men's basketball coaches to reach 900 basketball wins.

November 15, 2011: Krzyzewski Becomes All-Time Winningest Coach

On November 15, 2011, Krzyzewski led Duke to a 74-69 victory over Michigan State, becoming the coach with the most wins in NCAA Division I men's basketball history with his 903rd victory.

2011: Offered Coaching Position for the Minnesota Timberwolves

In 2011, Krzyzewski was offered the vacant coaching position for the Minnesota Timberwolves, but he again declined the offer and chose to stay at Duke.

2012: Krzyzewski Receives Wayman Tisdale Humanitarian Award

In 2012, Krzyzewski was awarded the U.S. Basketball Writers Association's Wayman Tisdale Humanitarian Award. This award recognized his civic service and charitable efforts that positively impacted society.

February 2013: Stepped Down as National Team Coach

In February 2013, Krzyzewski stepped down after seven years of coaching the national team.

January 25, 2015: Krzyzewski Reaches 1,000 Wins

On January 25, 2015, Duke defeated St. John's, and Krzyzewski became the first Division I men's coach to reach 1,000 wins.

April 6, 2015: Krzyzewski Wins Fifth NCAA Championship

On April 6, 2015, Krzyzewski won his fifth NCAA championship when Duke defeated Wisconsin in the title game.

2016: All-Time Winningest Coach in NCAA Tournament

In the 2016 NCAA tournament on March 19, Krzyzewski became the all-time winningest coach in the NCAA Division I tournament with 90 total wins.

2016: Coaching the US National Team

Krzyzewski coached the national team through 2016.

November 11, 2017: 1,000th Win with Duke

On November 11, 2017, Krzyzewski won his 1,000th game with the Duke Blue Devils, making him the first head coach to win 1,000 games with one NCAA Division I men's basketball program.

March 17, 2018: Most Wins by a Division I Coach

On March 17, 2018, Krzyzewski won his 1,099th game in his career, passing Pat Summitt for most wins by a Division I coach, male or female.

February 16, 2019: Winningest Coach in College Basketball History

On February 16, 2019, Krzyzewski won his 1,123rd game to become the winningest coach in college basketball history at any level (men's or women's), passing Harry Statham.

June 2, 2021: Retirement Announcement

On June 2, 2021, Krzyzewski announced that he would retire at the conclusion of the 2021-22 season.

March 5, 2022: Final Home Game

On March 5, 2022, Krzyzewski coached his final home game against rival North Carolina, which Duke lost 94-81.

April 2, 2022: Final Game and Final Four Appearance

On April 2, 2022, Krzyzewski reached his 13th Final Four appearance, where Duke lost to North Carolina in his final game. He ended his career at Duke with a 1,129-309 win-loss record.