Mike Krzyzewski, aka Coach K, aka the man who helped carry USA basketball back to the throne, pledged this week that he will not return to the Team USA bench. Jerry Colangelo and several U.S. players will try to convince him to change his mind, but chances are the Olympic men’s basketball team will need to search for a new coach.

The top two candidates, according to ESPN’s Marc Stein, include a certain Glenn Anton Rivers. Yes, Doc’s middle name is Anton.

USAB officials, however, aren’t nearly that optimistic. Colangelo has said repeatedly this week that he’ll make one more run at it, after giving Krzyzewski some time to decompress when this is all over, but sources close to the situation told ESPN.com that Boston Celtics coach Doc Rivers and San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich have indeed already moved to the top of the list to take over in 2013 for Krzyzewski, who is expected to remain with the program as a top aide to Colangelo if he can’t be convinced to extend his coaching tenure.

Doc has already endorsed Popovich, but noted he would “have to say yes” to an offer if it landed on his desk.

I don’t know exactly how Rivers would compare to Coach K. I would bet my piggy bank, though, that Doc would have a more graceful gold medal celebration.

(gif via SB Nation)