During his long tenure at Duke, Krzyzewski has been given the opportunity to coach in the
NBA at least five times. The first time came after the 1990 season when he led the Blue Devils to their third straight Final Four appearance. The
Boston Celtics offered a coaching position to Krzyzewski, but he soon declined their offer. The next season, Krzyzewski proceeded to lead the Blue Devils to the first of two straight national championships. In 1994, he was pursued by the
Portland Trail Blazers, but again he chose to stay with Duke. In 2004, Krzyzewski was also interviewed by the
Los Angeles Lakers following the departure of high-profile coach
Phil Jackson. He was given a formal offer from Lakers general manager
Mitch Kupchak, reportedly for five years, $40 million and part ownership, but again turned down the NBA.
In 2010, the New Jersey Nets were reportedly willing to pay Krzyzewski between $12 million and $15 million per season to coach the Nets. Krzyzewski again declined the offer and stayed at Duke.[18] In 2011, Krzyzewski was offered the vacant coaching position for the Minnesota Timberwolves, but he again declined the offer and chose to stay at Duke.