The family of legendary Duke basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski is in mourning this week following the passing of his son-in-law, Chris Spatola. He was 47 years old.
Spatola was married to Coach K’s daughter Jamie, with whom he has three children. He was a four-year starter for the West Point basketball team, leading the team in scoring in thee of his seasons and still ranks 10th on Army’s all-time points list.
After graduating, Spatola moved into active duty from 2002 to 2007. He was deployed in Iraq and received multiple accolades for leadership and combat performance.
When he returned from active duty, Spatola joined Coach K’s coaching staff from 2007 to 2012, joining part in Duke’s 2010 national title team and Team USA’s gold medal wins in the 2008 Olympics and 2010 FIBA World Championship.
In 2015, he joined ESPN as an analyst.
Tributes and Statements
On Wednesday morning, the Duke men’s basketball team’s official X account released a statement on Spatola’s tragic passing:
“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,” the team shared. “We send our love and condolences to his wife Jamie and three children, the Spatola and Krzyzewski families, and everyone who loved him.”
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
Yesterday the school released a statement offering its sympathies to Coach K’s family:
“There are no words to adequately express our heartbreak over the loss of our beloved Chris Spatola,” Duke said in a statement. “Chris served our country, was a devoted husband and father, and was such an important part of our family.”
ESPN also paid tribute to its fallen employee:
“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 on Tuesday. “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.”
Our hearts go out to the Krzyzewski and Spatola families and their loved ones.
This story was originally published by The Spun on Sep 23, 2026, where it first appeared in the College Basketball section. Add The Spun as a Preferred Source by clicking here.