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.

Robert Montgomery "Bob" Knight, nicknamed "the General," was a highly successful and controversial American college basketball coach. He is best known for his tenure at Indiana University, where he won three national championships. Knight was renowned for his demanding coaching style, discipline, and strategic brilliance. He achieved 902 NCAA Division I men's basketball wins, a record when he retired and sixth all-time upon his death. Despite his coaching achievements, Knight's career was also marked by volatile behavior, including confrontations with players, officials, and the media.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

October 25, 1940: Robert Montgomery Knight Born

On October 25, 1940, Robert Montgomery Knight, later known as Bob Knight, was born. He would become a prominent American men's college basketball coach.

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1958: Knight Plays at Ohio State

In 1958, Knight began playing basketball at Ohio State under coach Fred Taylor.

1962: Knight Coaches Junior Varsity Basketball

After graduating from Ohio State University in 1962, Knight coached junior varsity basketball at Cuyahoga Falls High School in Ohio for one year.

1962: Knight Graduates from Ohio State

In 1962, Knight graduated from Ohio State with a degree in history and government.

April 17, 1963: Marriage to Nancy Falk

On April 17, 1963, Bob Knight married Nancy Falk, with whom he had two sons, Tim and Pat.

June 1963: Knight Enlists in U.S. Army

In June 1963, Knight enlisted in the U.S. Army and served on active duty.

September 1963: Knight Transferred to West Point

In September 1963, Knight was transferred to West Point, New York, after initial training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri.

June 1965: Knight Joins U.S. Army Reserves

In June 1965, Knight transitioned from active duty to the U.S. Army Reserves.

May 1969: Knight Ends Time in U.S. Army Reserves

In May 1969, Knight ended his time in the U.S. Army Reserves.

1985: Divorce from Nancy Falk

In 1985, Bob Knight divorced his first wife, Nancy Falk.

1985: A Season on the Brink Published

In 1985, the Hoosiers were profiled in the bestselling book "A Season on the Brink" by John Feinstein, who was granted unprecedented access to the Indiana basketball program.

A Season on the Brink

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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 providing insights into Knight's life and coaching style.

A Season on the Brink

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1988: Marriage to Karen Vieth Edgar

In 1988, Bob Knight married his second wife, Karen Vieth Edgar, a former Oklahoma high school basketball coach.

1990: Publication of Hoosier Honor

In 1990, Robert P. Sulek wrote "Hoosier Honor: Bob Knight and Academic Success at Indiana University", which discusses the academic aspects of the basketball program under Knight.

Hoosier Honor: Bob Knight and Academic Success at Indiana University

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1990: Publication of Playing for Knight: My Six Seasons with Bobby Knight

In 1990, Steve Alford, a former player under Knight, published "Playing for Knight: My Six Seasons with Bobby Knight", reflecting on his experiences.

Playing for Knight: My Six Seasons with Coach Knight

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1991: Pat Knight Played at Indiana

From 1991, Bob Knight's son Pat played basketball at Indiana, following in his father's footsteps.

1994: Appearance in Blue Chips

In 1994, Bob Knight appeared in the feature film "Blue Chips," where he coached against a character modeled after himself.

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1995: Pat Knight Played at Indiana

In 1995, Pat Knight finished playing basketball at Indiana.

2002: A Season on the Brink TV Adaptation

In 2002, ESPN's first feature-length film was "A Season on the Brink", a TV adaptation of John Feinstein's book, with Knight portrayed by Brian Dennehy.

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2003: Cameo in Anger Management

In 2003, Bob Knight made a cameo appearance as himself in the film "Anger Management."

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2003: Publication of Knight: My Story

In 2003, Knight's autobiography, "Knight: My Story", co-written with Bob Hammel, was published, offering insights into his life and career.

Knight: My Story

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2008: Volkswagen Commercial Appearance

In 2008, Knight appeared in a Volkswagen commercial as part of the Das Auto series, where he threw a chair off the stage after a comment about winning a title.

November 2012: First Indiana Game Broadcast

In November 2012, Bob Knight broadcasted an Indiana men's basketball game for the first time, marking a change after previously refusing to do so. This was part of efforts by then-coach Tom Crean to get him to visit the school.

2014: Pat Knight Dismissed from Lamar

In 2014, Pat Knight was dismissed from his position as head coach at Lamar.

2016: Support for Donald Trump

In 2016, Bob Knight supported Donald Trump's presidential campaign, publicly aligning himself with the candidate.

2016: Publication of Days of Knight: How the General Changed My Life

In 2016, former player Kirk Haston released "Days of Knight: How the General Changed My Life", discussing Knight's influence on his life.

Days of Knight: How the General Changed My Life (Encounters: Explorations in Folklore and Ethnomusicology)

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2018: Appearance at Trump Rally

In 2018, Bob Knight appeared at a Donald Trump rally in Indianapolis, endorsing Trump as "a great defender of the United States of America".

February 27, 2019: Don Fischer Comments on Knight's Health

On February 27, 2019, Don Fischer, an IU radio announcer since 1974, commented that Bob Knight's health had declined, although he did not provide specific details.

April 4, 2019: Public Appearance and Memory Lapses

On April 4, 2019, Bob Knight made his first public appearance after concerns were raised about his health, appearing with Bob Hammel. During the presentation, he showed signs of memory issues.

July 10, 2019: Purchase of Bloomington Home

On July 10, 2019, it was reported that Bob Knight and his wife had purchased a home in Bloomington for $572,500, suggesting a return to live in Bloomington.

February 8, 2020: Return to Assembly Hall

On February 8, 2020, Bob Knight returned to Indiana University's Assembly Hall for the first time since his firing 20 years prior, receiving a standing ovation at halftime of the game against Purdue.

November 1, 2023: Robert Montgomery Knight Death

On November 1, 2023, Robert Montgomery Knight, died. At the time of his death, he had won 902 NCAA Division I men's basketball games, making him sixth all-time in that category.