Chris Spatola, ESPN analyst and Mike Krzyzewski's son-in-law, dies at 47

Chris Spatola, a prominent ESPN college basketball analyst and former Duke University assistant coach, has died unexpectedly at the age of 47. No cause of death has been publicly disclosed.

Spatola had a diverse career in basketball and military service. He was a four-year starter for the Army West Point basketball team from 1998 to 2002 before serving as a captain in the U.S. Army, where he deployed during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Following his military service, he joined the coaching staff of legendary Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski from 2007 to 2012, contributing to the team’s 2010 NCAA championship season.

In 2015, Spatola transitioned into broadcasting, becoming a regular analyst for ESPN and a co-host for Krzyzewski’s SiriusXM radio show. He was the husband of Mike Krzyzewski’s daughter, Jamie, and the father of three children. Tributes from the sports community and statements from ESPN and Duke University have highlighted his unique perspective as a veteran, coach, and broadcaster.