Legendary NFL Coach Chuck Knox Dies Age 86

Legendary coach and NFL giant Chuck Knox has passed away at the age of 86. The Seattle Seahawks confirmed his passing on Sunday.

The Seahawks Ring of Honor member was one of the winningest coaches in NFL history. He began his coaching career with the New York Mets, as an offensive line coach from 1963 – 1966. He fulfilled the same role with the Detroit Lions from 1967 – 1972.

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From 1973 – 1977, he coached the Los Angeles Rams. He returned for another spell with the Rams from 1992 – 1994. Over both stints, he racked up a 69 – 48 record for the Rams. During his first spell there, he achieved 5 straight seasons with a double-digit win record.

In 1978, he left to coach the Buffalo Bills and stayed with the team until 1982.

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Chuck Knox the moved to Seattle, coaching the Seattle Seahawks from 1983 – 1991. In six of those nine season, he led the team to winning records. In his first season, the team reached the AFC Championship game after winning 9 games. They won 12 games the next season before a Divisional Playoff round defeat.

His former teams paid tribute to Chuck Knox in statements:

“The Seahawks family is saddened by the loss of Chuck Knox, and our deepest sympathies are extended to his wife, Shirley, and the entire Knox family,” the team said in a statement. “A member of the Seahawks Ring of Honor, Knox coached the Seahawks from 1983-1991 and was a beloved figurehead by players, coaches and staff. His presence projected an external toughness, but merited instantaneous respect by the genuine care and concern he held for his players. He was one of the great influencers not only in football, but in life.

“One of the winningest coaches in NFL history, ‘Ground Chuck’ was twice named NFL Coach of the Year while with the Seahawks in 1983 and 1984. He led Seattle to their first division title, playoff win and conference championship appearance and was the first coach in NFL history to lead three different teams to the NFL playoffs. As Knox said himself, ‘What you do speaks so well, no need to hear what you say.'”

“We are saddened by the loss of Chuck Knox, a legendary coach and member of the Los Angeles Rams family,” the team said in a statement. “He established a winning culture and a legacy that will never be forgotten, being the only coach to lead the Rams to five consecutive double-digit-win seasons. The memories and accomplishments that Coach Knox left behind will continue to inspire us and Rams fans. We hold his family in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.”