Former NFL coach Chuck Knox dies

[jwkelly]

Former NFL coach Chuck Knox died after battling a lengthy battle with dementia. He was 86.

Knox's granddaughter, Lee Ann, confirmed his passing Sunday morning on Twitter.

Known as "Ground Chuck" for his team's emphasis on running the ball, Knox is best remembered for coaching the Los Angeles Rams (1973-77, 1992-94), Buffalo Bills (1978-82), Seattle Seahawks (1983-91). He recorded a 186-147 record in the regular season, however his clubs combined for just a 7-11 mark in the playoffs.

Knox was a three-time Associated Press NFL Coach of the Year (1973, 1980, 1984) and was also inducted into the Seahawks' Ring of Honor on Sept. 25, 2005.

John Turney posted a story on Pro Football Journal early Sunday morning recalling a memorable exchange involving Knox, as told to him via Jack Youngblood.

"Jack Youngblood once told me this story -- In 1976 during what would now be called a rookie camp Youngblood walked up to Knox who was watching a field full of rookie draft picks and free agents practice. Knox, with his steely gaze set towards the action, muttered to Youngblood, 'They switched the baby'. Youngblood had no clue what he was talking about, asked Knox what he meant. Knox nodded toward the Rams first-round draft choice Kevin McLain and said 'McLain ... they switched the baby. They told me he was 6-3, 230. He's barely 6-1 and not even 220.'

"When I met Knox I asked him for more details. He responded that McLain had size 9 feet and Knox knew he would never be a good linebacker with feet that small. 'I got stuck with another one in Seattle --Brian Bosworth. He had feet this big,' stated Knox. He amplified his point by holding his hands maybe 10 inches apart to show the smallness of Bosworth's feet."

[jwkelly]

He was one of the good coaches in the league,very respectable man RIP

[mgint]

I remember when he coached in nfl sorry to hear of his death.