DURHAM, N.C. ā Mike Krzyzewski is savoring the first taste of life after a Hall of Fame coaching career at Duke.
The 75-year-old has spent time with family, travel and a new puppy in the two months since his coaching retirement. The magnitude of that change hit home during his granddaughterās recent high school graduation.
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āEight of my grandchildren were there. And usually graduations can sometimes be long, but it was beautiful,ā Krzyzewski said Wednesday. āI was driving home with my wife Mickie ā¦ and I said, āIt was interesting. I only thought about that.ā
āAnd for most of my life, wherever I was at, I was never completely where I was at. Youāre always thinking of something else. And I like that.ā
The coach was back at the annual K Academy adult fantasy basketball camp on Wednesday. Krzyzewski said heās still traveling for speaking engagements and taking time to answer correspondence.
Krzyzewski's final season included reaching 1,202 career victories and a 13th Final Four ā both records ā before losing to rival North Carolina in early April.
āHeās at peace. Heās in a great spot,ā new Blue Devils coach and designated successor Jon Scheyer said, pausing to ask: āWas he talking about his dog?ā
That would be a silver Labrador named Coach, presented at the teamās postseason awards ceremony. Krzyzewski pulled out his cell phone to proudly show off pictures of the roughly 4-month-old pup, who is working with Krzyzewski and a trainer.
This is part of a new life away from the sideline.
āYouāre not thinking of everybody,ā Krzyzewski said. āYouāre thinking of you and your family, and whatever responsibility that you want, not the responsibilities that you may just have to do. That keeps you fresh.ā
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