2008 Woodie Awards
In Surprise Announcement Volatile Bob Knight Named New Athletic Director
Former Indiana and current Texas Tech basketball coach to come to Rollins.
Dean Hybl
Issue date: 4/1/05 Section: Sports
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In a surprising end to a six-month search for a new Director of Athletics and Physical Education, long-time collegiate basketball coach Bobby Knight will be introduced today as the successor to retiring Athletic Director Dr. J. Phillip Roach.
Knight comes to Rollins after spending the last four years as the men's basketball coach at Texas Tech University. This season he led the Red Raiders to a 22-11 record and a spot in the NCAA Division I "Sweet 16." A graduate of Ohio State University, he previously spent six seasons as the men's basketball coach at Army and 29 years at Indiana University where he led the Hoosiers to three national championships.
According to Rollins Sports Information Director Nate Weyant, Knight will not serve as basketball coach at Rollins, but instead will oversee all 21-varsity sports for the NCAA Division II school.
"Coach Knight felt it was time for him to take a new direction with his career," Weyant said. "He is a big fan of our own 'Coach K' [men's basketball coach Tom Klusman] and does not plan to interfere with his running of the basketball program.
"He is very excited about having the chance to impact the entire athletic department and not just concentrate on one sport. He has long been a supporter of women's sports and particularly wants to focus his energy on giving our female athletes the recognition they deserve," Weyant added.
Because the official announcement has yet to be made, no current Rollins coach agreed to speak on the record for this article, but off the record, the entire staff seemed energized by the impending announcement.
"He is exactly what we need," said one veteran coach. "Dr. Roach has been great and set the bar high, but Coach Knight should come in here and demand that the administration make sure we stay at the top. He may have had his controversial moments, but he always has been a winner and a champion of the student-athlete and for that reason he will be a great fit at Rollins."