Bob Knight Retires

[Scott M]

Betsy Blaney, Associated Press

Star Tribune

LUBBOCK, Texas - Bob Knight resigned Monday at Texas Tech, a stunning midseason move by the winningest men's coach in major college basketball.

"He said he was tired and that it was best to go ahead and do it now," Texas Tech chancellor Kent Hance told The Associated Press. "I think Bob is through with coaching. I think he got to the point where it wasn't fun for him."

Known as much for his fiery temper as his basketball brilliance, Knight gave no hint a change was coming. He will be replaced by his son, Pat, a Red Raiders assistant.

The 67-year-old Knight informed Texas Tech athletic director Gerald Myers of his decision in a meeting around noon, Hance said. Knight then called Hance and told him.

"He thought about it Sunday all day and talked to his wife and decided 'This is something I want to do,"' Hance said.

The Red Raiders beat Oklahoma State 67-60 on Saturday, giving Knight his 902nd victory. He won national titles at Indiana in 1976, '81 and '87.

Knight was not available for comment Monday, said Randy Farley, a spokesman for the Texas Tech basketball program.

The Lubbock Avalanche-Journal first reported the resignation.

In September, Knight signed a three-year contract extension that runs through the 2011-12 season. In 2005, Pat Knight was appointed his father's successor.

Knight arrived at Texas Tech in March 2001, six months after being fired by Indiana for what school officials there called a "pattern of unacceptable behavior."

In his first six years at Tech, he led the Red Raiders to five 20-win seasons, a first at the school. They are 12-8 this season, including Knight's 900th victory last month against Texas A&M.

Texas Tech's next game is Wednesday night at Baylor.

Knight passed former North Carolina coach Dean Smith as the winningest Division I coach Jan. 1, 2007, getting career win No. 880. To celebrate the milestone Knight chose "My Way" by Frank Sinatra, a mantra for how he navigated his personal and professional worlds.

"Bob is kind of a funny guy. He always loved that song 'My Way,' and this is another example," Hance said.

Back then, Knight explained why "My Way" was so fitting.

"I've simply tried to do what I think is best," Knight said. "Regrets? Sure. Just like the song. I have regrets. I wish I could done things better at times. I wish I would have had a better answer, a better way, at times. But just like he said, I did it my way and when I look back on it, I don't think my way was all that bad."

Knight has been a college coach for 42 years. He broke in at Army in 1965, but made his mark in 29 years at Indiana.

He's a complex package, someone who can hit a policeman, throw a chair across the court or be accused of wrapping his hands around a player's neck, yet never gets in trouble for breaking NCAA rules, always has high a graduation rate and gave his salary back a few years ago because he didn't think he'd earned it.

"Maybe he thought it was the right time for Pat and give him a shot," former Temple coach John Chaney said.

Knight got his 100th victory at Army, then moved to Indiana, where his Hoosiers went 662-239 from 1971-2000.

His first NCAA title came in 1976 when Indiana went undefeated, a feat no team has accomplished since. In 1984, he coached the U.S. Olympic team to a gold medal in Los Angeles.

When he began his coaching career at Army, he was 24, the youngest-ever Division I coach. Knight won 20 or more games in 29 seasons.

[Dotch]

Much as he used to tick me off, gonna miss the guy. He added a lot of color to the games over the years. Don't think I'd go hunting with him any time soon however.

[DTro]

Why not just finish the season? Seems a bit selfish if you ask me.

[Scott M]

He was really concerned that his son Patrick wouldn't get to take the job over, so he wanted to leave Patrick a few games to show his mettle. I think Pat Knight will be a good coach if he's anything like a chip off the old block. Supposedly he's a lot calmer, so best of both worlds perhaps.

I'm a huge Bob Knight guy. Great graduation rates, always stayed in touch with his players, some of the better man-to-man defensive teams in the nation, tremendous loyalty. I played for a defensive yeller like Knight in HS so I like that style...I think kids learn to pay attention and do the little things. I watched Knight's reality show when a kid got to walk-on...anyone else watch that? That showed you what Knight loves about the game...He's painted as such a bad guy because of the choking deal and the yelling and the tantrums...but he loves those kids.

If I had the talent and IU was recruiting me when Knight was there, I would have signed on the dotted line. But like Dotch said, I would never hunt with him!!!

[Northlander]

Just another self centered move by the old Hot Head. Never was a Bob night fan. I didnt like his coaching style 1 bit.

[bassNspear]

I think that alot of people feel the same way. I didnt really like the guy ither, just becuase of some of the things he did to the media, court and players. I believe he was like this becuase he always wanted to win so bad, that when something didnt go his way, he went off the handle.

If you watch his kid walk and talk, hes like scott said, a chip off the old block. Hopefully everything works out for him and the team.

[Scott M]

[Burnham]

that was hilarious lol