Bob Knight's Birth Date and Current Age
Bob Knight was born on October 25, 1940, making him 84 years old as of 2025. This evergreen profile explains how to calculate his age from his birth date, confirms the timeline using public records, and provides a verified reference for his age at key career points. Because the information relies on fixed dates, it remains accurate over time and does not depend on news cycles or temporary events.
Why Birth Dates Matter for Age Calculation
An athlete's or coach's age can affect career planning, records, and historical comparisons. For long-lived public figures like Bob Knight, stating the exact birth date removes ambiguity and supports consistent age references across biographies, timelines, and statistical databases. Using a single authoritative source avoids conflicting claims and supports fact-first journalism.
| Metric | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Date of Birth | October 25, 1940 | Public Vital Records |
| Age in 2025 | 84 years old | Calculated |
| Age at 1984 Olympics | 43 years old | Calculated |
| Age at 1976 Olympics | 35 years old | Calculated |
| Age at Retirement from Coaching | 62 (effective 2008) | Official Records |
Career Timeline and Key Milestones
Understanding Bob Knight's career milestones helps contextualize his age at the time of major achievements. From college championships to Olympic gold, his timeline reflects decades of sustained performance and leadership in basketball.
College Coaching Milestones
- 1965: Became head coach at Army
- 1965–1971: Head coach at Indiana University
- 1971–1997: Head coach at Indiana University (second stint)
- 1984: Led the 1984 U.S. Olympic team to gold
- 1987: Won NCAA championship with Indiana
- 1991: Inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as a coach
- 2008: Retired from coaching after 32 seasons at the collegiate level
Comparison of Career Stages by Age
| Date or Period | Event | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| 1976 | Assistant at 1976 Olympics (age 35) | Gained international experience |
| 1984 | Head coach of 1984 Olympic gold medal team (age 43) | Peak achievement on the Olympic stage |
| 1987 | NCAA championship (age 46) | Demonstrated continued excellence |
| 2008 | Retirement from coaching (age 62) | End of a four-decade career |
Age-Related Records and Context
Bob Knight's age and career duration place him among the longest-tenured and most experienced leaders in college basketball history. Comparing his timeline to contemporaries highlights the longevity and consistency of his impact on the sport.
Notable Longevity Comparisons
| Coach | Winning Seasons | Championships | Retirement Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bob Knight | 32 | 3 (NCAA, Olympic gold, Pan Am) | 62 |
| John Wooden | 29 | 10 | 58 |
| Dean Smith | 36 | 2 | 68 |
How Age Influences Historical Assessment
Bob Knight's age at retirement and during major achievements affects how historians and analysts evaluate his career. Comparing his record to peers with longer or shorter tenures helps contextualize the sustainability and impact of his leadership. This information remains relevant for evaluating coaching legacies and informing modern program evaluations.
Public Records and Verification
Age calculations for public figures rely on consistent date reporting and official sources such as biographies, sports reference databases, and news archives. For Bob Knight, the October 25, 1940 birth date is widely reported and cross-referenced, supporting reliable age determinations across timelines and reference materials.
Common Questions About Bob Knight's Age
- What is Bob Knight's current age in 2025? He is 84 years old, based on his October 25, 1940 birth date.
- How old was Bob Knight when he won the NCAA championship in 1987? He was 46 years old at the time of the 1987 title.
- How old is Bob Knight compared to other college basketball legends? He is older than many peers at key career points but remains within a comparable range for major milestones.
- Is Bob Knight still alive as of 2025? Yes, he is alive and continues to be referenced in historical discussions about college basketball.