Bob Knight's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of Bob Knight.

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

1960: Olympic Gold Medalist

Douglas Blubaugh won a gold medal at the 1960 Olympics.

1960: Knight Wins NCAA Championship with Ohio State

In 1960, Knight, playing a reserve role, won the NCAA championship with the Ohio State Buckeyes.

1972: Indiana Wins Big Ten Championship

In 1972, Knight's second year as coach, Indiana won the Big Ten championship.

1973: Big Ten Coach of the Year

In 1973, Bob Knight was named Big Ten Coach of the Year, marking the beginning of numerous Big Ten accolades.

1974: Indiana Captures Big Ten Title

In 1974, Indiana once again captured a Big Ten title.

1975: National Coach of the Year

In 1975, Bob Knight was unanimously selected as National Coach of the Year, marking a significant achievement in his coaching career.

1976: National Coach of the Year by the Associated Press

In 1976, Bob Knight was again honored as National Coach of the Year by the Associated Press, further solidifying his reputation.

1976: Indiana Wins NCAA Championship Undefeated

In 1976, Knight's Indiana Hoosiers won the NCAA Tournament undefeated, the last Division I men's basketball team to achieve this.

1976: Indiana Wins National Title

In 1976, the Indiana Hoosiers, coached by Knight, won the NCAA title.

1979: Indiana Wins NIT Championship

In 1979, Indiana, behind the play of Mike Woodson, won the NIT championship.

1979: Knight Wins Gold at Pan American Games

In 1979, Knight won a gold medal at the Pan American Games with the U.S. men's national team.

1979: Hoosiers Win Big Ten Championship

In 1979, the Hoosiers won the Big Ten championship.

1980: Big Ten Coach of the Year

Bob Knight was named Big Ten Coach of the Year in 1980, adding to his list of achievements.

1981: Big Ten Coach of the Year

In 1981, Bob Knight received the Big Ten Coach of the Year award, acknowledging his ongoing success.

1981: Indiana Wins National Title

In 1981, Knight's Indiana Hoosiers won their second national title.

1981: Hoosiers Win NCAA Tournament

In 1981, led by Isiah Thomas, the Hoosiers won the NCAA Tournament.

1982: Hoosiers Ranked Number One

In 1982, the Hoosiers were ranked number one in the nation.

1984: Knight Wins Gold at Summer Olympics

In 1984, Knight won a gold medal at the Summer Olympics with the U.S. men's national team.

1987: Naismith Coach of the Year Award

In 1987, Bob Knight became the first recipient of the Naismith Coach of the Year Award, a prestigious honor in basketball coaching.

1987: Indiana Wins National Championship

In 1987, led by Steve Alford, the Hoosiers won their third national championship against Syracuse, with a game-winning shot by Keith Smart.

1988: Hoosiers Win Big Ten Championship

In the 1988 season, led by Jay Edwards, the Hoosiers won a Big Ten championship.

1989: National Coach of the Year Honors

In 1989, Bob Knight received National Coach of the Year honors from the AP, UPI, and the United States Basketball Writers Association, recognizing his coaching excellence.

1990: Hoosiers Dominate Big Ten

In 1990, the Indiana Hoosiers started a dominant run, posting 87 victories from 1990-91 through 1992-93, the most by any Big Ten team in a three-year span. They also captured two Big Ten crowns in 1990-91 and 1992-93.

1991: Induction into the Basketball Hall of Fame

In 1991, Bob Knight was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame, a testament to his significant impact on the sport.

1991: Knight Inducted into Hall of Fame

In 1991, Knight was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

1991: Big Ten Crown

In 1991, the Indiana Hoosiers captured a Big Ten crown. From 1990-91 through 1992-93, the Hoosiers posted 87 victories, the most by any Big Ten team in a three-year span.

1992: Big Ten Coach of the Year

Bob Knight was named Big Ten Coach of the Year again in 1992, recognizing his continued contributions.

1992: Reached Final Four

During the 1991-92 season, the Indiana Hoosiers reached the Final Four. From 1990-91 through 1992-93, the Hoosiers posted 87 victories, the most by any Big Ten team in a three-year span.

1993: Big Ten Coach of the Year

In 1993, Bob Knight won the Big Ten Coach of the Year award, highlighting his consistent performance.

August 2003: Induction in The Vince Lombardi Titletown Legends

In August 2003, Bob Knight was honored as the first inductee in The Vince Lombardi Titletown Legends.

2005: Sweet Sixteen Appearance

In 2005, Knight led the Texas Tech Red Raiders to the Sweet Sixteen, marking the best performance by the team under his leadership.

November 17, 2006: Induction into the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame

On November 17, 2006, Bob Knight was inducted as a member of the founding class of the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame.

2006: Texas Tech Defeats Ranked Teams

In 2006, under Knight, Texas Tech defeated two Top 10-ranked teams in consecutive weeks.

January 1, 2007: Passed Dean Smith For Most Career Victories

On January 1, 2007, Knight achieved his 880th career win and passed Dean Smith for most career victories.

November 29, 2007: A Legacy of Giving: The Bob Knight Exhibit

On November 29, 2007, the Texas Tech library honored Bob Knight's contributions with 'A Legacy of Giving: The Bob Knight Exhibit', recognizing his and his wife's financial support.