Lubbock, Texas — Bob Knight has brushed aside other job opportunities to focus on Texas Tech.
Ten days after Tech's president and athletics director approached Knight, the controversial basketball coach arrived in Lubbock on Thursday for a three-day visit.
"I've had contacts since talking to Texas Tech in different ways and I've just said I don't have any interest," the former Indiana coach said during a brief news conference. "This is a situation that appeals to me tremendously. I think this is a community that I would really like."
But at least 58 faculty members have put their names on an e-mail petition opposing Knight on grounds that his well-publicized outbursts would cast a shadow on Tech.
Knight and athletics director Gerald Myers spoke at the United Spirit Arena. Knight last visited the $68 million facility on its opening night, Nov. 19, 1999, when the Hoosiers beat Tech, 68-60.
The Hall of Fame coach, who led Indiana to three national championships and 11 Big Ten titles in 29 years, has sat out the past six months after being fired for violating a zero-tolerance behavior policy.
In interviews this week, Knight has seemed eager to discuss the opening created when James Dickey was fired last Friday after going 9-19 in his 10th season as coach of the Red Raiders. In the past few years, Tech has lost nine scholarships because of NCAA sanctions.
At Indiana, Knight was placed under a zero-tolerance policy after university officials turned up a videotape that showed him putting his hand around a former player's neck. He later was fired after grabbing a student by the arm to lecture him on manners.
Tech spokeswoman Cindy Rugeley said Thursday that school president David Schmidly had looked at the petition and would discuss the opposition with faculty members.
Knight's stops today include meetings with Schmidly, Chancellor John Montford, some regents, some athletics department staff and some coaches. He also will attend the Texas Tech women's NCAA game against Pennsylvania.
He also will visit some student leaders, including basketball team member Andy Ellis, and look around Lubbock.
Knight's son, Pat, said Thursday he believes his father will take the Tech job if offered.
"I know he likes the situation," said the younger Knight, an assistant coach at Akron. "We were there last year and he made a comment about what a nice facility it is. I know he likes coach Myers and that coach Myers is somebody he can trust."
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