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Greatest College Basketball Coaches of All Time
Bob Knight or Dean Smith

Pick Your Favorite

BOB KNIGHT

VS

DEAN SMITH
0%

Your GOAT List

Why This Battle Matters

Isn't college basketball essentially a showcase of clashing philosophies? In this riveting matchup, the relentless discipline of Bob Knight meets the innovative team spirit of Dean Smith. Here, it's not just about wins and losses; it's a battle for the soul of coaching heritage. Knight's fiery, often controversial methods contrast sharply with Smith's gentlemanly demeanor and strategic nous. What hangs in the balance? More than just rankings - it's about which philosophy shapes the future of coaching. What do you stand for: the iron fist or the open hand?

🔥 Fan Takes

I mean, choosing between Knight and Smith? It's like picking your fave kid lol.
Okayyy, Dean has the stats, but Bob's intensity? Legend vibes only, fr 😤
Look, Knight's good, but Dean Smith literally changed the game. Can't ignore that.

How Fans Are Voting

In this battle:

Fans currently prefer Dean Smith over Bob Knight when it comes to the greatest College Basketball Coaches of all time. In head-to-head matchups, fans pick Dean Smith 66.7% of the time over Bob Knight.

Across all battles:

Dean Smith win rate: 68.8%

Bob Knight win rate: 60.0%

Fan FAQs

Who's the #1 contender on GoatWars in the Greatest College Basketball Coaches of All Time league?

Mike Krzyzewski currently holds the top spot in the Greatest College Basketball Coaches of All Time league. You can check out how he stacks up against other legendary coaches on the GOAT List.

Why is this matchup between Bob Knight and Dean Smith so close?

This matchup is so close because each coach has a uniquely devoted fanbase that values their respective contributions to college basketball. Bob Knight's fiery, no-nonsense approach contrasts sharply with Dean Smith's more methodical and progressive strategies, making fans fiercely debate who truly had the bigger impact on the game.

Who is better: Bob Knight or Dean Smith?

It's neck and neck! Fans are split right down the middle, appreciating Bob Knight for his intense coaching style and multiple national championships, while Dean Smith is revered for his innovation and the way he shaped the game. It's a real toss-up depending on what qualities you value more in a coach.