The Pro Football Hall of Fame announced its nine semi-finalists for enshrinement on Thursday. Among them was two-time Los Angeles Rams head coach Chuck Knox.
Knox was best known for his strong emphasis on the running game, which is how he earned his nickname, “Ground Chuck.”
Former Rams Coach Named Semi-Finalist For Enshrinement in Canton
Chuck Knox had a significant impact on the Los Angeles Rams franchise, coaching for the team in two stints for a combined total of eight seasons. In his first During his tenure with the team, from 1973-1977 the team went an incredible 54 and 15, winning the division in every season and making the conference championship game in three straight seasons.
During that time he also oversaw the drafting of Jack Youngblood and Jackie Slater.
His next stint was 20 years later from 1992-1997. Although in this period he failed to put together a +.500 record, he drafted two more Hall of Famers, Jerome Bettis and Issac Bruce. He also hired two future Rams coaches, Mike Martz and Dick Vermeil.
Knox was also the coach for the Buffalo Bills from 1978 to 1982 and for the Seattle Seahawks from 1983-1991. In total, he coached, 334 games with 186 wins and 147 losses, and one tie for a winning percentage of .558, which at the time of his retirement was sixth all-time in wins.
The eight other semi-finalist coaches are Bill Arnsparger (Dolphins DC), Tom Coughlin (Giants, Jaguars), Mike Holmgren (Packers, Seahawks), Dan Reeves (Broncos, Giants, Falcons), Marty Schottenheimer (Browns, Chiefs, Chargers), George Seifert (49ers, Panthers), Mike Shanahan (Raiders, Broncos, Washington), Clark Shaughnessy (Bears DC).
