Chris Spatola, Former Duke Assistant Coach and ESPN Analyst, Dies at 47

Springfield Holyoke, MA, September 23, 2026 — Chris Spatola, who served as an assistant coach for the Duke Blue Devils men’s basketball team and later worked as an analyst for ESPN, has died. He was 47 years old.

Details regarding the cause or circumstances of his death have not been publicly disclosed at this time. Spatola was a notable figure in college basketball, particularly during his tenure on Coach Mike Krzyzewski’s staff at Duke University.

During his time with the Blue Devils, Spatola was part of a highly successful program. Following his coaching career, he transitioned into sports media, lending his expertise as an analyst for ESPN, where he contributed to the network’s coverage of college basketball.

His career spanned roles that allowed him to engage with the sport from different perspectives, from the sidelines as a coach to the broadcast booth as an analyst. The passing of Spatola at a relatively young age has prompted reactions from those within the basketball community who knew him or followed his career.

The summary provided does not include further details about his life, career milestones, family, or the specific dates of his coaching or media roles. Information regarding any memorial services or tributes is also not available in the provided summary.

Spatola’s contributions to Duke basketball and his subsequent work in sports media established him as a recognized individual in the sport. His death at 47 marks a loss for the basketball community.

Story summarized from the original created by Matt Connolly on www.masslive.com, see more information here.

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