Coach K took Duke to the NCAA Final Four this year

'Coach K', in charge at Duke for 24 years, had talks with the Lakers about succeeding the departed Phil Jackson as their new team boss.

But the 57-year-old has decided to reject the bright lights of the NBA to stay with the team he has led to three national championships.

"It became apparent that this decision was easier to make because you have to follow your heart and lead with it," said Krzyzewski.

The Blue Devils gave their coach a lifetime contract three years ago - the hardwood at Duke's Cameron Indoor Stadium in Durham, North Carolina, is named 'Coach K Court,' and the grassy plot outside, where students camp out to attend games, is known as 'Krzyzewskiville'.

With nine NBA titles, Jackson is a hard act to follow

Krzyzewski has a 621-181 at Duke, leading the Blue Devils to championships in 1991, 1992 and 2001.

Under his leadership, the team has had 10 NCAA Final Four appearances, eight Atlantic Coast Conference tournament championships and 10 conference regular-season titles.

His Duke teams have been ranked number one in 12 seasons, including each of the last seven.

But in the last five years, the Blue Devils have been stung by players leaving early for the NBA.

View from America: NBA's penchant for youth

In 1999, sophomores Elton Brand and William Avery, and freshman Corey Maggette entered the draft. Three years later, juniors Jay Williams, Mike Dunleavy and Carlos Boozer left for the pros.

This year, freshman Luol Deng joined that group, while top recruit Shaun Livingston never made it on campus as a student, jumping straight from high school to the pro ranks.

Krzyzewski, who gave no reason for turning down the Lakers, has had several flirtations with the NBA and has said he came close to leaving Duke in 1990 to coach the Boston Celtics.

The Lakers parted company with Jackson three days after losing to Detroit in the NBA Finals.