Chris Spatola, an ESPN college basketball analyst, former starting guard at Army, and son-in-law of Duke’s Coach Krzyzewski, died September 21, 2026, at age 47.
Spatola first joined ESPN in 2015, providing analysis during game and studio productions. Before that, he was a four-year starter at West Point and ranked No. 10 all-time on Army’s career points list (1,543)
After graduating from West Point, Spatola served on active duty from 2002 to 2007. During his time in the Army, he served on Operation Iraqi Freedom and was awarded the Army Commendation Medal for outstanding leadership and the Joint Service Commendation Medal for exceptional combat performance
Spatola was on the staff of the Duke Blue Devils from 2007 to 2012 with his father-in-law, Hall of Fame coach Mike Krzyzewski, and even helped them win the 2010 national title and four ACC tournament titles.
He was also a court coach for gold-medal-winning USA teams at the 2008 Olympics and the 2010 FIBA World Championship.
The Krzyzewski family released a statement saying, “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.”
ESPN also released a statement saying, “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,” ESPN said in a statement. “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.”
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