Bob Knight, the legendary Indiana University men’s basketball coach who won three national championships and retired as the all-time winningest coach in NCAA Division I history, died at 83.
“It is with heavy hearts that we share that Coach Bob Knight passed away,” Knight’s family said in a statement on Nov. 1.
Knight led the Hoosiers to national titles in 1976, 1981 and 1987. He also took the Hoosiers to 11 Big Ten Conference regular season championships and 10 Big Ten Tournament titles. Knight finished his career with a record of 902-371, which is fifth all-time in NCAA Division I history.
Knight was born in Orrville, Ohio, on Oct. 25, 1940. He played college basketball at Ohio State, where he was a two-time All-American. After graduating from Ohio State in 1962, Knight began his coaching career as an assistant at Cuyahoga Falls High School in Ohio.
In 1965, Knight became the head coach at Army. He led the Black Knights to two appearances in the big dance: the NCAA Tournament. In 1971, Knight became the head coach at Indiana, marking the true beginning of his notorious coaching career.
Knight was known for his blazing temper and unique coaching style. He was also a brilliant tactician and motivator to players.
Knight’s tenure at Indiana was among the most successful in the sport’s history. Knight led the Hoosiers to the Final Four five times and won three championships. Knight’s teams were also known for their rigid defense and ability to execute his unique game plan.
In 2000, Knight was fired from Indiana University after several incidents, including an altercation with a student. Knight later coached at Texas Tech, leading the Red Raiders to two NCAA Tournament appearances.
Knight was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1991. He joined the College Basketball Hall of Fame in 2006.
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