Former Indiana, Texas Tech and Army head coach Bob Knight’s family announced on Wednesday that the legendary coach died at the age of 83.
“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. We will continue to celebrate his life and remember him, today and forever as a beloved Husband, Father, Coach, and Friend.”
His 902 victories over 42 seasons ranks the sixth most in NCAA Division I men’s college basketball history.
Tributes for the three-time national champion poured out shortly after the news was shared on a social media account managed by Knight Legacy.
Indiana University, where Knight coached from 1971–2000 and won his three national titles, posted a tribute video for the coach.
One of the most successful & influential figures in the history of college basketball. pic.twitter.com/6XMvJvcuaB
— Indiana Basketball (@IndianaMBB) November 1, 2023
Many media members shared stories about how Knight impacted their lives either covering him or watching him coach college basketball for decades.
RIP to the legendary Bob Knight. He was an American original. I had the honor of knowing him well, and while he wasn’t for everyone, I always truly liked, respected and admired him. As he once said of Henry Iba, of all the shadows cast in the game, his was the longest. pic.twitter.com/J3qcCLTSIP
— Jay Bilas (@JayBilas) November 1, 2023
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 https://t.co/HEyBP2IlxZ heart goes out to Karen the love of his life & his family & friends .@ESPN App https://t.co/qAXMCWliJc
— Dick Vitale (@DickieV) November 1, 2023
Bob Knight was everything you thought he was. Brilliant and demanding, cantankerous and huge of heart, irreverent and very funny. He was also inarguably on the short list of greatest coaches in the history of American sports. Rest in peace, Coach. You will never be forgotten. pic.twitter.com/ig2L7tkBPr
— Mike Greenberg (@Espngreeny) November 1, 2023
Heartbroken. 💔 Bob Knight is the reason why I went to school at IU. He is the reason why I fell in love with the game of basketball. He was bigger than life, and was always kind & welcoming to me as a shy student/intern, and then later as a young reporter. Although imperfect,… https://t.co/hbmKzQHunH
— Sage Steele (@sagesteele) November 1, 2023
Bob Knight has passed away at the age of 83.
— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanHoops) November 1, 2023
Hall of Fame coach, one of the best to ever do it.
RIP. https://t.co/OQOkdYr2iX
There will never be another like Bob Knight. May his blessing be a memory. https://t.co/LlXejem3Ot
— Seth Davis (@SethDavisHoops) November 1, 2023
I’m saddened to learn about the death of my friend Bob Knight. While he was a complicated man he stood for a lot of the good things in college sports. His players graduated. His programs competed for titles. I got to know him very well + he was always great to me. RIP Coach. ❤️❤️
— David Kaplan (@thekapman) November 1, 2023
Always a favorite picture of Bob Knight. Although we never got him back to @IndianaMBB to be honored on our watch, I was so thankful when he finally did return. We were always going to REVERE what he accomplished and who he accomplished it with. Our deepest condolences. pic.twitter.com/sGCKnHvOO9
— Tom Crean (@TomCrean) November 1, 2023
