Early Life and Education of Bob Knight: A Complete Timeline
Discover the defining moments in the early life of Bob Knight. From birth to education, explore key events.
Bob Knight, nicknamed "the General," was a highly successful and controversial American college basketball coach. He achieved 902 NCAA Division I men's basketball wins, a record upon his retirement and sixth all-time upon his death, solidifying his place as one of the most impactful figures in the sport.
October 25, 1940: Bob Knight's Birth
On October 25, 1940, Robert Montgomery "Bobby" Knight was born. He later became a prominent American college basketball coach.
1958: Ohio State
In 1958, Bob Knight began his time at Ohio State, playing under coach Fred Taylor.
1962: Coaching Junior Varsity
After graduating in 1962, Bob Knight coached junior varsity basketball at Cuyahoga Falls High School in Ohio for one year.
1962: Graduation from Ohio State
In 1962, Bob Knight graduated from Ohio State with a degree in history and government.
April 17, 1963: Marriage to Nancy Falk
On April 17, 1963, Knight married Nancy Falk. They later had two sons, Tim and Pat.
June 1963: Enlistment in the U.S. Army
In June 1963, Bob Knight enlisted in the U.S. Army and served on active duty.
September 1963: Transferred to West Point
In September 1963, Bob Knight was transferred to West Point, New York, while serving in the U.S. Army.
June 1965: End of Active Duty
In June 1965, Bob Knight ended his active duty service in the U.S. Army.
May 1969: End of Army Reserves Service
In May 1969, Bob Knight ended his service in the U.S. Army Reserves.
1984: Douglas Blubaugh Leaves IU
In 1984, Douglas Blubaugh concluded his time as head wrestling coach at Indiana University.
1985: Divorce from Nancy Falk
In 1985, Knight divorced his first wife, Nancy Falk.
1985: Access Granted
In 1985, Knight granted author John Feinstein almost unprecedented access to the Indiana basketball program for the book 'A Season on the Brink'.
1986: Publication of 'A Season on the Brink'
In 1986, John Feinstein published "A Season on the Brink", detailing the 1985-86 season of the Indiana Hoosiers and offering insights into Knight's life. The book became a bestseller and spawned a new genre of sports books.
1986: A Season on the Brink
In 1986, the Hoosiers were profiled in the bestselling book 'A Season on the Brink' by John Feinstein.
1988: Marriage to Karen Vieth Edgar
In 1988, Knight married his second wife, Karen Vieth Edgar, a former Oklahoma high school basketball coach.
1990: Publication of 'Hoosier Honor: Bob Knight and Academic Success at Indiana University'
In 1990, Robert P. Sulek wrote "Hoosier Honor: Bob Knight and Academic Success at Indiana University" which discusses the academic side of the basketball program, detailing all of the players that played for Knight and what degree they earned.
1990: Publication of 'Playing for Knight: My Six Seasons with Bobby Knight'
In 1990, former player Steve Alford wrote "Playing for Knight: My Six Seasons with Bobby Knight", published in 1990.
1994: Appearance in film 'Blue Chips'
In 1994, Knight appeared in the film "Blue Chips", which featured a character modeled after him. He coached against Nick Nolte in the film.
2002: ESPN's 'A Season on the Brink' adaptation
In 2002, ESPN adapted John Feinstein's book into a film titled "A Season on the Brink", with Brian Dennehy playing Knight.
2003: Cameo in 'Anger Management'
In 2003, Knight made a cameo appearance as himself in the film "Anger Management."
2003: Publication of Knight's autobiography
In 2003, Knight's autobiography, "Knight: My Story", written with Bob Hammel, was published.
2008: Volkswagen Commercial Appearance
In 2008, Knight appeared in a Volkswagen commercial where he threw a chair off the stage after a comment about winning titles.
2013: Publication of 'The Power of Negative Thinking'
In 2013, Knight and Bob Hammel published "The Power of Negative Thinking: An Unconventional Approach to Achieving Positive Results", discussing Knight's game preparation approach.
2016: Support for Donald Trump's Presidential Campaign
In 2016, Knight supported Donald Trump's presidential campaign.
2016: Publication of 'Days of Knight: How the General Changed My Life'
In 2016, former player Kirk Haston wrote "Days of Knight: How the General Changed My Life", published in 2016.
2018: Appearance at Trump Rally in Indianapolis
In 2018, Knight appeared at a rally in Indianapolis for Donald Trump and called him "a great defender of the United States of America".
February 27, 2019: Comments on Knight's ill health
On February 27, 2019, Don Fischer, an IU radio announcer since 1974, said during an interview that Knight was in ill health. He continued by saying Knight's health "has declined" but did not offer any specifics.
April 4, 2019: Public Appearance and Memory Issues
On April 4, 2019, Knight made his first public appearance after comments about his health. He appeared with Bob Hammel and showed signs of struggling with his memory.
July 10, 2019: Reported Purchase of Home in Bloomington
On July 10, 2019, it was reported that Knight and his wife purchased a home in Bloomington, suggesting a return to live there.
February 8, 2020: Return to Assembly Hall
On February 8, 2020, Knight returned to Assembly Hall at halftime of the Indiana-Purdue game, receiving a standing ovation. This was his first Indiana game appearance since his dismissal 20 years prior.
