Son-In-Law Of Legendary College Basketball Coach Mike Krzyzewski Dead At 47

Chris Spatola, an ESPN college basketball analyst and son-in-law of former Duke men’s basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski, has died.

He was 47.

No cause of death has been announced.

Spatola was a former starting guard at Army and later became an assistant coach at Duke under Krzyzewski.

“Chris Spatola brought a unique perspective to ESPN’s college basketball coverage, shaped by his experiences as a student-athlete, Army veteran, coach and broadcaster,” ESPN said in a statement.

“He was thoughtful, prepared and passionate about the sport, earning the respect of colleagues, coaches, players and fans alike. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his loved ones during this difficult time,” the statement added.

ESPN remembers college basketball analyst Chris Spatola, who passed away unexpectedly Monday pic.twitter.com/4dOzddXQ8I

— ESPN PR (@ESPNPR) September 23, 2026

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ESPN shared further:

Spatola joined ESPN in 2015, providing analysis during game and studio productions.

He was a four-year starter at West Point, leading the team in scoring three years and ranking No. 10 all-time on Army’s career points list (1,543).

After graduating, Spatola served on active duty from 2002 to 2007. He deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, and he was awarded the Joint Service Commendation Medal for exceptional combat performance and the Army Commendation Medal for outstanding leadership.

Spatola was on the staff of his father-in-law, Hall of Fame coach Mike Krzyzewski, at Duke from 2007 to 2012, helping the Blue Devils win the 2010 national title and four ACC tournament titles. He was also a court coach for gold-medal-winning U.S. teams at the 2008 Olympics and 2010 FIBA world championship.

Spatola and Krzyzewski’s daughter, Jamie, had three children.

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“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Chris Spatola. Chris was a beloved Army veteran, coach, broadcaster, and true friend to the Duke Basketball family,” Duke Men’s Basketball stated.

“We send our love and condolences to his wife Jamie and three children, the Spatola and Krzyzewski families, and everyone who loved him,” it added.

We are deeply saddened by the passing of Chris Spatola. Chris was a beloved Army veteran, coach, broadcaster, and true friend to the Duke Basketball family.

We send our love and condolences to his wife Jamie and three children, the Spatola and Krzyzewski families, and everyone… pic.twitter.com/M8iP2MTdAy

— Duke Men’s Basketball (@DukeMBB) September 23, 2026

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WRAL has more:

Spatola talked with WRAL about his bond with Krzyzewski’s family in 2022, saying the story between him and his wife, Jamie, was very similar to the story between Krzyzewski and his wife.

Spatola was also active with USA Basketball under Krzyzewski, working as a court coach for the U.S. Men’s National Team that won gold in the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, as well as the gold at the 2010 World Championships in Istanbul.

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Watch below:


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[H/T 100PercentFedUp]