Duke assistant Jeff Capel vague when asked about head coaching opportunities
Apr 2, 2015, 2:49 PM | Updated: 2:50 pm
The Duke Blue Devils are just two wins away from capturing the fifth national championship in school history.
And while head coach Mike Krzyzewski and his staff are feverishly preparing for Saturday’s national semifinal against Michigan State in Indianapolis, there is plenty of speculation about the career future of one of his assistants.
Associate head coach Jeff Capel has spoken with Arizona State athletic director Ray Anderson about the vacant head coaching position in Tempe created when Herb Sendek was let go earlier this month after nine seasons.
There have been reports that indicate the job is Capel’s — if he wants it.
The 40-year-old was asked during a North Carolina sports radio interview where he’ll be in a month in terms of his coaching career.
“I see myself coaching at a great university, with great kids and great support and somewhere very, very happy,” he told Adam Gold and Joe Ovies on 99.9 FM The Fan in Raleigh Tuesday.
The hosts ribbed Capel about the vague nature of his answer and flat out asked him if he expects to be in Durham next season as a part of Krzyzewski’s staff.
“I don’t know, we’ll see,” he said. “I most likely will be here, that’s what I’m thinking. Right now, I’m just focused on our team and what we’re doing right now. There’s nothing more important than the moment we’re in right here with these kids.
“I’m honored and I’m flattered with some of the things that have been written about me recently. To be completely honest, it’s a lot better than what was written four years ago about me, so I feel good about that.”
Capel was referring to the treatment he received from the media when he was dismissed as Oklahoma’s head coach in 2011 after back-to-back losing seasons — the first time that had occurred in Norman since the mid-1960s.
“I love where I am, this place is home. My family is from here, my family is still here. My wife’s family is from Raleigh and still live in Raleigh,” Capel said. “This is home for us and I’m grateful to be a part of this program, this university and this team. The impact that I’m able to have in these young people’s lives and to teach them, I look forward to doing that for many years to come.”
