INDIANAPOLIS — Pat Knight, the son of legendary Hall of Fame coach Bob Knight, is expected to be appointed as the next head coach of Marian University’s men’s basketball program, according to a report by On3.

The hiring comes after Scott Heady resigned on April 3 to accept the head coaching position at the University of Indianapolis. Marian — one of the nation’s top NAIA basketball programs — appears to have found its ideal successor in Knight.
 

A Familiar Name in Indiana Basketball

The 53-year-old Knight brings a wealth of experience and a storied family legacy to the Knights’ sidelines. He previously served as head coach at Texas Tech (2007–2011), where he compiled a 50–61 record, taking over after his father’s sudden retirement midway through the 2007–08 season.

Following his time in Lubbock, Knight became the head coach at Lamar University (2011–2014), where he led the Cardinals to a 29–62 record. Since leaving Lamar, he has worked as a scout for the Indiana Pacers, staying deeply involved in talent evaluation and player development.
 

Deep Indiana Roots

Marian athletic director Steve Downing shares a unique bond with the Knight family. Downing played under Bob Knight during his senior year at Indiana University in the 1972–73 season, a team that reached the NCAA Tournament semifinals before falling to UCLA.

Downing later worked within the athletic departments at both Indiana and Texas Tech, further solidifying his connection to the Knight coaching lineage.

The Legacy of Bob Knight

Bob Knight, one of the most iconic figures in college basketball history, built an unmatched legacy during his coaching career at Army (1965–1971), Indiana (1971–2000), and Texas Tech (2000–2008). He amassed 902 career victories and won three NCAA championships (1976, 1981, 1987) with the Hoosiers, including the famed undefeated 1976 season — the last in men’s college basketball history.

Knight passed away in November 2023 at the age of 83, leaving behind one of the richest coaching legacies in American sports.

What’s Next for Marian Basketball

With Pat Knight expected to lead the program, Marian aims to build on its tradition of disciplined, hard-nosed basketball — a coaching style synonymous with the Knight name.

His leadership could usher in a new era for the Marian Knights, blending the toughness and attention to detail that defined his father’s teams with his own years of experience at the collegiate and professional levels.