VA Secretary Denis McDonough statement on the retirement announcement of Duke Head Coach Mike Krzyzewski:

“Coach K has become known by many titles over the years. National Champion. Gold Medalist. Winningest coach in NCAA history. Bane of Tar Heels everywhere. But here at VA and in the military, he has also been known as Army Capt. Krzyzewski, an artillery liaison to the infantry and graduate of West Point in 1969.

The impact of Coach K’s decades of service as a coach, leader, and Veteran are nearly impossible to quantify, but if you add up the student athletes that he has mentored, the Gold medals around his neck, and the many wins on his mantle, you might come close. His excellence and character both on and off the court are unmatched.

Coach K once said that ‘leaders show respect for people by giving them time.’ Over the years, he’s proven that maxim by giving our country, his student athletes, and the American public so many years of his precious time on this earth. We are all better for it.

Thank you, Coach K. Congratulations on an amazing career — we thank you for your service to our nation.”