Coach K Saddened By Death Of Legendary Sports Writer
03/14/2025 01:17 PM
Legendary sports writer and author John Feinstein covered several sports during his career, but he was perhaps best known for his work within college basketball.
Feinstein wrote "A Season on the Brink," released in 1986. The book gave fans an inside look at the Indiana Hoosiers' basketball program through the eyes of those who participated in it on a daily basis. The book was especially noteworthy for its focus on controversial yet successful Indiana head coach Bob Knight.
Another legendary college basketball coach reflected on Feinstein's death after news of his passing broke this week.
"John was brilliant. He was one of the best writers for sports of all time," said former Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski, speaking to ESPN's Pete Thamel.
"We were great friends. I loved John. But I knew he was polarizing. You loved him or you hated him. He understood that. He handled it well...He is that because he was so damn talented. You don't become polarizing if you're mediocre."
Krzyzewski said that he and Feinstein had a "great relationship," and that he helped sell Bob Knight on agreeing to be the focus of his most enduring work.
"That was an early time in my career - I didn't know what the hell I was doing," the former Duke coach explained.
"I just told [Bob Knight] - John is my friend and he's one of the greatest writers ever. If you agree to this, he's going to write an amazing book."
Krzyzewski said that in his estimation, Feinstein's characterization and portrayal of Knight in the book is accurate after befriending the late coach.
"I think the people who read that book understand Coach Knight better as a result of that book," Krzyzewski added. "John was incredibly good."
Feinstein died at the age of 69, starting his career with the Washington Post in 1977 and remaining with the paper until a column was published on the day of his passing Thursday.
Many around the sports media and sports world have paid tribute to Feinstein, including organizers at one college basketball conference tournament who left an open media seat for the event in his honor.
Related: Conference Tournament Honoring John Feinstein After His Death Earlier Today
