Bob Knight, often known as “The General,” was a legendary college basketball coach. He guided the Indiana Hoosiers to three NCAA crowns, 11 Big Ten championships, and two undefeated seasons. He also led the US men’s basketball team to Olympic gold in 1984.
He retired in 2008 with 902 victories, the most ever in NCAA Division I men’s basketball. However, Knight was also notorious for his explosive and provocative behavior, which frequently eclipsed his accomplishments.
He was fired from Indiana in 2000 for breaking the state’s zero-tolerance policy for inappropriate behavior. He eventually took over as Texas Tech’s head coach until 2008, when his son Pat succeeded him. After a long illness, Knight died on November 1, 2023, at the age of 83.
How much money did he make during his successful career? What was his net worth when he died? This is what we know so far.
Bob Knight’s Net Worth and Legacy
According to several estimates, Knight’s net worth was believed to be around $8 million at the time of his death. This figure was calculated using his profits from coaching, media work, endorsements, books, and other sources of revenue.
The Twitter post by The Net Worth Source is shown below.
Bobby Knight was American basketball coach who had a net worth of $8 million at the time of his death. Bobby Knight died on November 1, 2023 #BobbyKnight pic.twitter.com/BPoehGcO5X
— The Net Worth Source (@networthsource) November 2, 2023
However, his real net worth is unknown and could be greater or lower than the estimations. Knight’s legacy as a coach and a person is complicated and contentious. On the one hand, he is universally recognized as one of the best basketball coaches of all time, having changed the game with his innovative ideas, tough defense, and disciplined attack.
He also impacted and mentored a number of players and coaches, including Isiah Thomas, Steve Alford, Mike Krzyzewski, and Mark Few. In 1991, he was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame, and in 2006, he was inducted into the College Basketball Hall of Fame.
Many medals and distinctions were bestowed upon him, including the Naismith Coach of the Year, the NABC Coach of the Year, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom. On the other hand, he is noted for his volatile temper, outbursts, and aggressive behavior, which frequently landed him in hot water and harmed his reputation.
He was accused of assaulting players, officials, media, and spectators both physically and verbally. He was chastised for exhibiting poor sportsmanship, ethics, and professionalism. He was embroiled in numerous scandals and incidents, including tossing a chair across the court, choking a player, headbutting a player, and breaking NCAA rules.
He was also well-known for his political beliefs, which occasionally clashed with those of his employers, coworkers, and admirers. Knight’s death elicited conflicting reactions from the basketball community and the general public.
Some applauded him for his accomplishments and contributions, while others criticized him for his weaknesses and failings. Others expressed relief and apathy, while some showed sorrow and regret. Some referred to him as a legend, while others referred to him as a villain.
Knight was a divisive figure, inspiring both adulation and contempt, respect and dread, love and loathing. He was a complicated and paradoxical figure whose legacy will be debated and studied for years to come.
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Bob Knight’s Coaching Salary
Knight’s coaching compensation fluctuated according to his contract and the institution for which he worked. According to some accounts, his annual compensation at Indiana in 2000 was $163,118, plus benefits including a new automobile every year, free tuition for his boys, and official use of the team’s own plane.
In addition to endorsements, TV and radio appearances, and his summer basketball camp, he made money. He sued Indiana for breach of contract and wrongful termination after being fired, but the matter was settled out of court for an undisclosed sum.
Knight joined Texas Tech in 2001 and signed a five-year contract worth $2.5 million, with an annual salary of $900,000. The deal called for a base pay of $250,000, $150,000 in deferred income, and $500,000 in guaranteed outside income.
He also received bonuses for achieving certain goals, such as winning games, winning conference crowns, and making it to the NCAA tournament. He renewed his contract for another six years in 2005, with a $100,000 boost per year. He left with three years left on his contract and retired in 2008.
Bob Knight’s Media Work and Other Sources of Income
From 2008 until 2015, Knight worked as an ESPN basketball analyst after retiring from coaching. He provided collegiate basketball commentary and analysis, as well as hosted his own show, “Knight School,” where he taught basketball principles to Texas Tech students.
He has starred in various documentaries and films on his life and work, including “A Season on the Brink”, “The Last Days of Knight”, and “The Last Dance”. He also published or co-wrote several books, including “Knight: My Story”, “The Power of Negative Thinking”, and “The Art of a Beautiful Game”.
Knight has had several commercial interests, such as owning “Coach Knight’s Steakhouse” in Bloomington, Indiana, which debuted in 1993 and shuttered in 2000.
He also ran a hunting lodge in Montana, where he welcomed celebrities and guests on hunting trips. He was an ardent hunter and fisherman who frequently gave his catch to charities and local food banks.
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