Chuck Knox was a legendary football coach who had a successful career in the National Football League (NFL) spanning over two decades. He was known for his no-nonsense approach to coaching and his ability to turn around struggling teams.
Knox began his coaching career in 1963 as an assistant coach at Juniata College. He then moved on to become an assistant coach at Wake Forest University and the University of Kentucky before landing his first head coaching job at the College of William & Mary in 1967.
In 1973, Knox was hired as the head coach of the Los Angeles Rams. He quickly turned the team around, leading them to five consecutive NFC West titles and three NFC Championship games in his first five seasons. Knox's success with the Rams earned him the nickname "Ground Chuck" for his emphasis on a strong running game.
After leaving the Rams in 1978, Knox went on to coach the Buffalo Bills from 1978 to 1982, the Seattle Seahawks from 1983 to 1991, and the Rams again from 1992 to 1994. He led the Bills to their first playoff appearance in eight years in 1980 and took the Seahawks to the playoffs four times in his nine seasons with the team.
Knox's coaching style was characterized by his emphasis on discipline, hard work, and attention to detail. He was known for his ability to motivate his players and get the most out of them. He was also a master at adapting his game plan to fit the strengths and weaknesses of his team.
Throughout his career, Knox was highly respected by his players and fellow coaches. He was named NFL Coach of the Year three times (1973, 1980, and 1984) and was inducted into the Seahawks Ring of Honor in 2005.
Knox retired from coaching in 1994 with a career record of 186-147-1. He passed away in 2018 at the age of 86, leaving behind a legacy as one of the greatest coaches in NFL history.
🏈