Mike Krzyzewski reacts to 'awkward' Syracuse ending for Jim Boeheim
It sounds like Duke Blue Devils coaching legend Mike Krzyzewski is among those who believe Jim Boeheim deserved better from the Syracuse Orange program and from the university.
"The other day was awkward," Krzyzewski told ESPN's Pete Thamel for a piece shared less than 24 hours after Syracuse confirmed that Boeheim will not be returning as the school's men's basketball coach following his 47th season in charge. "Syracuse the university and Syracuse athletics and Syracuse basketball, they should all be one in making this announcement. The fact that there's any ambiguity is wrong. It's not right. I would hope that if that is the case — I'm not saying it is, but I would hope things get right quickly and be celebrated the way it should be. It should not be awkward. No way."
Per ESPN and the Associated Press, Boeheim curiously hinted shortly after Syracuse lost to the Wake Forest Demon Deacons 77-74 in the ACC Tournament on Wednesday afternoon that he could be retiring but not necessarily by choice.
"As I've said from day one when I started working here, the university hired me, and it's their choice what they want to do," the 78-year-old said at that time. "I always have the choice of retirement, but it's their decision as to whether I coach or not. It always has been."
Boeheim later raised eyebrows when he said during the same news conference that he gave his retirement speech "last week" and that "nobody picked up on it."
Boeheim's final hours running the program irritated many within the college basketball community considering all he has given the university:
In total, Boeheim guided Syracuse to 35 NCAA Tournament appearances, five Final Fours and a national championship in 2003. For many, the Hall of Famer was the face of Syracuse basketball for more than four decades.
Krzyzewski added that he spoke with Boeheim "yesterday" and hoped Syracuse ultimately will do right by the fellow coaching icon.
"The ending has to be better," Krzyzewski continued. "Maybe we can do this right in a week or in two days. Just where everyone should know what his future is. It should be at Syracuse, so all the fans and everyone knows he's always going to be a part of that."
Adrian Autry, who played under Boeheim from 1990 to 1994 and has served on the Syracuse coaching staff since 2011, will now be tasked with replacing the larger-than-life figure.
"Adrian is a great choice," Krzyzewski said.
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