THE SIDELINES : Krzyzewski Confirms He Turned Down Celtics to Stay at Duke

After a week of talks with head officials of the Boston Celtics, Duke basketball Coach Mike Krzyzewski today confirmed that he had turned down the NBA coaching job.

“I have withdrawn my name from consideration for the Boston Celtics coaching position,” Krzyzewski said in a two-paragraph statement released this morning through the school’s sports information department.

“I appreciate the opportunity to talk to the Celtics about the job and I appreciate Duke University allowing me to do so. I have made the decision to remain at Duke.”

Krzyzewski planned no news conference, the school said.

A power struggle between Boston President Red Auerbach and Dave Gavitt, the team’s new director of basketball operations, played a significant role in Krzyzewski’s decision, a source close to the Celtics told The News and Observer of Raleigh. Gavitt, hired by the Celtics less than two weeks ago, wanted Krzyzewski for the job. But Auerbach, the most successful coach in NBA history, vigorously opposed plans to hire a coach with no professional playing or coaching experience.

Most of the Celtics players, particularly those who have been with the franchise for more than a decade, favor the hiring of assistant Chris Ford as Boston’s new coach. With Krzyzewski out of the picture, Ford becomes the leading candidate for the top job.