Bob Knight, the esteemed coach who won three NCAA titles at Indiana and was widely known as the strict face of college basketball, has died at the age of 83.
Knight’s family made the announcement Wednesday night. He was hospitalized with an illness in April and had been in poor health for several years.
“It is with heavy hearts that we share that Coach Bob Knight passed away at his home in Bloomington surrounded by his family,” the statement said.
“We are grateful for all the thoughts and prayers, and appreciate the continued respect for our privacy as Coach requested a private family gathering, which is being honored.”
Who was Bob Knight?
Bob Knight was born in 1940 in the town of Massillon, Ohio, and grew up in Orrville, Ohio. He began playing organized basketball at Orrville High School.
For college, Knight went to the Ohio State University from 1958 to 1962. There, he played college basketball under Hall of Fame coach Fred Taylor.
In 1960, Knight and the Ohio State Buckeyes won the NCAA championship title.
They subsequently made it to two further consecutive championships, but fell to the Cincinnati Bearcats both times.
Bob Knight Coaching career
Army (1965-1971): Bob Knight started his head coaching career at Army, where he led the Black Knights to four post-season tournament appearances in six seasons.
He had a record of 102-50 at Army.
Indiana (1971-2000): Bob Knight moved to Indiana in 1971 and turned the Hoosiers into a powerhouse.
He won three NCAA titles (1976, 1981, 1987), one NIT title (1979), and 11 Big Ten titles.
He had a record of 662-239 at Indiana. He also coached the USA men’s Olympic team to a gold medal in 1984.
Texas Tech (2001-2008): Knight finished his coaching career at Texas Tech, where he revived the Red Raiders program.
He led them to four NCAA tournament appearances and one NIT title. He had a record of 138-82 at Texas Tech.
He retired in 2008 with 902 wins, the most in Division I men’s basketball history at the time.
Legacy and Controversy: Knight is widely regarded as one of the greatest and most influential coaches in college basketball history.
He is known for his innovative motion offense, his defensive intensity, and his mentorship of many successful coaches and players.
He was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1991 and the College Basketball Hall of Fame in 2006.
However, he is also notorious for his volatile temper, his physical and verbal confrontations with players, officials, media, and fans, and his dismissal from Indiana in 2000 after violating a zero-tolerance policy.
Bob Knight cause of death
Bob Knight, the legendary college basketball coach, died on November 1, 2023 at the age of 83.
His family announced his death on social media, but did not reveal the cause of death.
However, some reports suggest that he had been battling dementia and other health issues for a long time.
He was hospitalized earlier this year with an acute illness.
Tribute pours to Bob Knight death
Indiana Basketball tweeted: “One of the most successful & influential figures in the history of college basketball.”
Blue Devils tweeted: “RIP Bob Knight”
Dick Vitale tweeted: “So sorry to learn of the passing of Bob Knight who was so good in his prime teaching how to play the game.
Always loved talking hoops with him over the years.My heart goes out to Karen the love of his life & his family & friends.”
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