Chris Spatola, the son-in-law of former Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski, has died at age 47.
Read more UNC football kicker, three field hockey athletes granted fifth season of eligibility
Spatola, who played basketball at West Point, served on Krzyzewski’s staff from 2007 to 2012 before becoming a basketball analyst for ESPN and a host on SiriusXM radio.
The Krzyzewski family, in a statement Tuesday, said:
“There are no words to adequately express our heartbreak over the loss of our beloved Chris Spatola. Chris served our country, was a devoted husband and father, and was such an important part of our family. We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of love, thoughts, and prayers we have received during this incredibly difficult time. We respectfully ask for privacy as our entire family, particularly Jamie and her three beautiful children, grieve and process this unimaginable loss.”
Spatola and his wife, Jamie, have three children: John David, Mackenzie and Madeline Spatola.
Duke’s basketball program released a statement on Wednesday morning, saying, “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 who loved him.”
ESPN issued a statement that said: “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. 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.”
Chris Spatola graduated from the U.S. Military Academy in 2002, with an English degree, after starting all four seasons on the West Point basketball team. He was named second-team, all-Patriot league in 2001 and 2002, finishing his career with 1,543 points. He set the team record by making 87% of his free throws during his career.
Read more UNC football kicker, three field hockey athletes granted fifth season of eligibility
After one season as an Army graduate assistant coach in 2002-03, he entered active duty as an officer, serving as a company commander.
Spatola received the Joint Service Commendation Medal for exceptional combat performance during his Operation Iraqi Freedom deployment. He also received an Army Commendation Medal for outstanding performance as company commander.
He joined Krzyzewski’s Duke staff in 2007, first as a graduate assistant/head team manager before being promoted to director of basketball operations in 2008. He remained on staff through 2012, helping the Blue Devils win the program’s fourth NCAA championship in 2010.
He became a broadcaster, working for ESPN and SiriusXM Radio while also forging a public speaking career.
Before working the Duke-Army basketball game telecast in 2018, Spatola spoke with pride about his Army experience.
“I was a small part of what I consider to be the best team in the world,” Spatola said. “That period of my life is the foundation for everything I have become. It challenged me, educated me, tested me, humbled me, prepared me and rewarded me. I’m grateful to have worn a uniform and to have had the opportunity to represent this great country both here at home and abroad.”
Read more A rabid kitten and a 6-year-old killer — Today in Triangle History
Sports Editor Steve Wiseman contributed to this article
This story was originally published September 22, 2026 at 8:30 PM.