Coach K and Coach Knight Cases

Coach K and Coach Knight Cases

1. Compare and Contrast Coach K and Coach Knight. How are they Similar? How are they different? Consider their leadership style, basic assumptions about motivation, leading, and human nature, etc.

I think the comparison between these two coaches is particularly interesting because Coach Knight was a key(arguably the key) mentor to Coach K.

Similarities

* Both coaches have an extraordinary record of winning/success

* Coach K Exhibit 3 points to his accomplishments: including 3 national championships, 12 Natl. Coach of the Year honors over 8 seasons, 20 Tournament Bids, Nine Final Four appearances (3rd most all-time), 66 Tournament wins, inducted into BBall hall of fame, Coach of 1990s Decade, Honored as America’s Best Coach among all sports in 2002.

* Coach Knight Exhibit 3 points to his accomplishments: including 1976 undefeated season, 3 national championships, NIT Championship 1979, 4 Coach of the Year, Big Ten Coach of the Year 5 times, Coached Pan American Team to Gold Medal in 1979, one of only coaches to do triple crown (NCAA Tourney, NIT Title, and Olympic Gold)

* Both came from humble midwest beginnings

* Coach K from Chicago – father poor polish elevator operator – proud of roots

* Coach Knight grew up in Ohio – mom a “no-nonsense” school teacher and dad worked the railways. Dad was “unyielding” and perfectionist. Two working parents and so grandmother was heavily involved.

* Military (Army) helped form basis for both Coaches success.

* Coach K was a student player (recruited by Knight) and served five years rising to rank of Captain. After one year as an Assistant to Coach knight at IU, he returned to Army as Coach from 1975-1980. Thrived as student and athlete. Says that much of his foundation as a Coach, Leader, and person was learned at Academy – a dose of honor, integrity, and honesty…

* Coach Knight coached Army from 1965-1971. Highly structured and disciplined...