DURHAM, N.C., Nov. 14 (UPI) -- Mike Krzyzewksi, who has won three NCAA championships in his 21 years with the Duke Blue Devils, Wednesday signed what was called a "lifetime" contract to coach the men's basketball team.
Financial terms were not disclosed, but the school said Krzyzewski has agreed to a deal that extends through at least 2011 and calls for him to serve as a special assistant to the president.
"My family and I love Duke, and I really appreciate the university making this type of long term commitment," Krzyzewski said. "Duke is a very special place, and Duke basketball is part of what makes it special. The idea that I can continue to play a role in the success of each is very gratifying, and I'm thrilled at the expression of confidence the university is placing in me by offering this lifetime contract."
Krzyzewksi enters the season 34th all time in coaching victories with 606 and owns a 533-164 record at Duke. He was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame earlier this year.
"This long term contract recognizes Mike's exceptional achievements both as our coach and as an ambassador of our university," director of athletics Joe Alleva said.
Krzyzewski reached his 500th victory at Duke in 660 games. Only Kentucky's Adolph Rupp (583), UNLV's Jerry Tarkanian (614), North Carolina's Dean Smith (653) and Oklahoma State's Henry Iba (654) did it faster.
Duke has advanced to nine Final Fours under Krzyzewski and won national titles in 2001, 1992 and 1991. Just three other coaches -- John Wooden, Rupp and Bob Knight -- have won three or more NCAA titles.
The Blue Devils enter the season first in the coaches' poll and open the season on Monday against Seton Hall in the Maui Invitational.
Some of the nation's best college players over the past 20 years have played under Krzyzewksi, including Grant Hill, Christian Laettner, Bobby Hurley and Johnny Dawkins.
