Chuck Knox, the veteran NFL coach who led the Seattle Seahawks for nine years and took the Los Angeles Rams to three straight NFC championship games, has died. He was 86.
Knox died Saturday evening, the Seahawks confirmed Sunday. He had been diagnosed with dementia.
Knox went 186-147-1 during 22 seasons as an NFL head coach, including two stints with the Rams. He won five straight NFC West titles from 1973-77, and he returned in 1992 for the franchise's final three seasons in Los Angeles before its move to St. Louis.
The Pennsylvania native left the Rams in 1978 for the Buffalo Bills. After five seasons, he took over the Seahawks in 1983 and immediately led the franchise to its first playoff berth and the AFC title game.
The news brought condolences from across the sports world:
From the Buffalo Bills:
"Our thoughts are with the Knox family after the passing of former Bills head coach Chuck Knox."
From former Buffalo Bill Fred Smerlas:
"Chuck Knox, my 1st NFL coach, was a hard nose, blue collar coach. He was Bill Parcell 10 years before Bill Parcell. He knew how to tweak a player as well as anyone. One of the great all time coaches. RIP to the original 'old blue eyes' @buffalobills."
From Seattle News Anchor Bill Wixey:
"Chuck Knox led the #Seahawks to perhaps the greatest upset in franchise history, knocking off Dan Marino and the Dolphins in Miami in the 1983 playoffs on the way to the AFC Championship Game. #RIPGroundChuck"
From SportsCentre:
"GONE AT 86: Chuck Knox, the only coach in NFL history to win Coach of the Year with three different teams (#Bills, #Rams and #Seahawks), has died at the age of 86."
