Coach K, other coaches react to Roy Williams retirement

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (WTVD) — The stunning announcement out of Chapel Hill that Tar Heels’ basketball coach Roy Williams would retire caught fans, players and basketball media “insiders” off guard.

Nevertheless, the sports world rebounded quickly, reacting first with disbelief (was this an April Fool’s joke?) then with outpourings of thanks and tributes as the reality sunk in that the coach who has left a giant imprint on college basketball for more than three decades was indeed calling it a career.

From current and former players to rival coaches and fans, accolades poured out for one of the sports’ winningest and most influential coaches.

“Like everyone, I was surprised to read today’s announcement about Roy Williams’ retirement,” Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski said. “College basketball is losing one of its greatest coaches and a man who genuinely cares about the game of basketball, and more importantly, the people who play it. Roy has led two iconic programs as a head coach and did so in exemplary fashion. I have the utmost respect for Roy and his family, who represented themselves and their institutions with class, grace and humility.”

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