Basketball icon gets new ESPN job alongside Pat McAfee for March Madness

Mar 17, 2026 - 13:30

It’s been a while since March Madness fans have seen Coach K in-and-around the tournament.

But this year it will be different, as those who are missing Mike Krzyzewski during the month of March are going to get their dose of him during the upcoming NCAA Tournament.

Head coach Mike Krzyzewski of the Duke Blue Devils looks on from the sideline in the in the first half of the game against the North Carolina Tar Heels during the 2022 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament Final Four semifinal at Caesars Superdome on April 02, 2022 in New Orleans, Louisiana. — Coach K is returning to March Madness in a slightly different role than he is used to

Pat McAfee announced that Coach K will be a regular contributor to the show to bolster their March Madness coverage.

“We’ll actually have Coach K joining us throughout the entirety of this year’s March Madness,” McAfee said.

“Cannot wait for him to chit chat and guide us through this particular March Madness… we’re gonna have a nice little run here with the greatest of all-time.”

Coach K is up there with the best basketball coaches of all time.

From 1980 to 2022, the 79-year-old secured three Naismith College Coach of the Year awards, but also led the Blue Devils to five national championships and 15 ACC Tournament titles.

Krzyzewski holds the record for the most career wins by a head coach with 1,202 and remains an ambassador for Duke, who kick off their NCAA Tournament against Siena on Thursday.

He also worked with USA Basketball for 36 years, serving as the national teams head coach between 2006-16.

Krzyzewski coached some of the best NBA players in history, and helped the United States win five Olympic gold medals, three of which came when he was head coach.

As for his broadcasting experience, Coach K hosted a weekly radio show on SiriusXM for nearly two decades, but never joined a TV Network.

Coach K Pat McAfee — McAfee will be covering the NCAA Tournament on ESPN

Mike Krzyzewski on the Pat McAfee Show — Coach K has joined The Pat McAfee Show to bolster their March Madness coverage

Head coach Mike Krzyzewski of the Duke Blue Devils looks to the crowd before taking on the North Carolina Tar Heels in the semifinal game of the 2022 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament Final Four at Caesars Superdome on April 02, 2022 in New Orleans, Louisiana. — Coach K holds the record for the most career wins by a NCAA head coach with 1,202

Coach K names greatest player he’s ever coached

Coach K met plenty of legends at the start of their respective careers.

Christian Laettner, JJ Redick, Grant Hill and Zion Williamson are just some of the names he worked with at Duke.

During Monday’s appearance The Pat McAfee Show, he named the greatest basketball player he had ever coached.

Despite working with Magic Johnson, Kobe Bryant and LeBron James, Coach K chose former UNC Tar Heels guard Michael Jordan.

“The best player that I’ve ever been associated with is (Michael) Jordan,” Krzyzewski said.

“There are a number of other people that he can allow into his room. Okay. A limited number of them.

INDIANAPOLIS - MAY 23: Michael Jordan #23 of the Chicago Bulls looks on during a game played on May 23, 1998 at the Market Square Arena in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 1998 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) — Coach K said the greatest player he has ever coached is Michael Jordan

“But it starts with Michael… He’s a killer, for Christ’s sake. He can do anything. He got bored and went to play baseball for a while, and still came back.

“His attitude and work ethic. I love him, and he’s the ultimate competitor.”

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