Keep Talking Episode 44: Ian O'Connor - Coach K: The Rise and Reign of Mike Krzyzewski
Ian O'Connor is a journalist, a sports columnist for "The New York Post," and the author of the new book, "Coach K: The Rise and Reign of Mike Krzyzewski."
During our conversation, Ian talks about Coach K's early life and career, the lesser-known, darker aspects of his personality, the juxtaposition of his love and loyalty towards his players with the fear he engenders and the rage he could exhibit, his relationship with Bobby Knight, his marriage to his wife Mickie, the love and respect Coach K has from his former players, the importance of relationships in his life, his daily habits, and whether Coach K is the greatest basketball coach of all-time.
Coach K has had a profound influence on my life. I read books about him in middle school, and his message of excellence and hard work resonated with me at an early age. I was obsessed with going to Duke, and as a student in Durham, in close proximity to his program, I was exposed both to his many admirable qualities and the fundamental humanness and flaws of an amazingly successful head coach. Ian perhaps put it best: while Coach K is not a nice guy, he is a good man.
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(00:00) Introduction
(02:22) What fascinates Ian about Coach K
(04:54) Signs of Coach K's leadership from an early age
(07:25) Mike's courtship of Mickie and her role
(09:41) Coach K surviving as head coach despite a poor start at Duke
(12:24) Early recruiting struggles and successes at Duke
(14:41) The keys to the rise of Coach K: excellent communication, motivation, and relationship skills
(17:59) The softer side of Coach K: his public open-heartedness and emotionality
(21:27) The darker aspects of Coach K’s personality
(27:32) Competitive rage and the how being a not-so-nice guy was instrumental to his success
(32:38) The effect of a working class upbringing and environment
(35:45) Fear as a component of success
38:59) The integral role of Bobby Knight and what caused their relationship to rupture
(44:02) Bobby Knight couldn’t accept Coach K outshining him
(46:04) How Coach K has prioritized personal and professional relationships
(49:43) Coach K’s impact on his players and the people he has helped
(51:41) Coach K’s habits and work routine
(55:26) Lessons to imbibe from Coach K’s life: exceptional work ethic, attention to detail, vulnerability, and public open-heartedness
(59:45) Is Coach K the best coach in the history of college basketball?