Bob Knight, Legendary College Basketball Coach, Dead At 83

ByAllie Johnson
Bob Knight - Wikmedia Commons

Tragic news for college basketball fans as legendary Hall of Fame Coach Bob Knight has been confirmed dead at the age of 83. Famed for both his wins and his outbursts, he was an NCAA coach that basketball fans enjoyed watching. Sadly, it was his family who confirmed his passing in an official statement.

The statement stated: “It is with heavy hearts that we share that Coach Bob Knight passed away at his home in Bloomington surrounded by his family.”

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. We will continue to celebrate his life and remember him, today and forever as a beloved Husband, Father, Coach, and Friend.”

Recognized as one of the most successful basketball coaches in the NCAA, keep reading to learn more about his incredible life and career.

Bob Knight, Legendary College Basketball Coach, Dead At 83

Affectionately nicknamed as “The General,” Coach Bob Knight landed 902 Division I wins in the NCAA. His basketball coaching career spanned from the years 1963 to the year 2008.

During his stint as the head coach of the Hoosiers, he was a three-time champion leading his team to victory in the years 1976, 1981, and 1987. Likewise, he also led Bloomington to the Final Four on five separate occasions.

The legendary Coach Bob Knight was not just a coach, he was also a player. While playing for Ohio State, he helped his team land a national championship win back in 1961.

It was in 1971 that Bob Knight landed the head coach position for the Indiana Hoosiers. He proceeded to spend 29 seasons with the team. This included participating in 24 NCAA tournaments. Bob Knight also had the honor of coaching Team USA in 1984 to help them land an Olympic gold medal.

Remembered As A Hot Head

Unfortunately, Coach Bob Knight was well-known for his infamous temper with his players. For example, the coach got rejected from a game in 1985 after getting irate over a foul call. Sadly, his time as a couch in Bloomington, Indiana came to an end in 1997. First, he was clocked on camera choking a former player named Neil Reed.

Then, another student accused him of grabbing him by his arm after the student referred to him by his last name. Sadly, he was terminated because of the zero-tolerance policy the school implemented after he previously choked a student.

Tributes from former players on his teams and college basketball fans have poured in as news of his death breaks. Unfortunately, his exact cause of death has not been made public. Given his age, however, fans suspect he could have died of causes related to his age.

Rest in peace, Coach Bob Knight.

Allie Johnson
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