Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski wears special 'Coach K' tie in support of man with cerebral palsy

DURHAM, N.C. (WTVD) -- As an Army graduate and one of the most prolific coaches in college basketball, Duke basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski always has to look his best.

During a particularly tense moment during Monday night's game against N.C. State, Coach K took his blazer off, a common sign that winning is going to take a big effort. It stayed off the rest of the game.

His tie stayed on, of course, which is another story.

"This a great story about this tie," Krzyzewski said after the game. "This is an amazing story about this tie."

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Will Howell is 20 years old and has cerebral palsy. Howell lives in Georgia and started a business called "WillPower Ties." Krzyzewski said last Friday he got a package from WillPower with one of their specially-designed ties, called "The Coach K." Howell is a big Duke fan.

Krzyzewski sported the tie as Duke ran away from State in the second half en route to an 88-69 victory.

"I know he watched tonight and I'm sure he said said 'Mom, we won because Coach K wore (the tie)," Krzyzewski joked. "So, I don't know if we should wear it again on Saturday."

The Blue Devils face arch-rival North Carolina in the regular-season finale this weekend.