HARD KNOX: The Life of an NFL, Coach

by Chuck & Bill Plaschke Knox ‧ RELEASE DATE: Oct. 20, 1988

Here, tough-guy football coach Knox opens up about his life from his early days in Sewickley, Penn., an old mill town near Pittsburgh, up through his successes as a coach in both the AFC and NFL. Where Knox came from, no one was expected to stray too far from the mill. Even his father was disgusted when Chuck informed him that he was heading off for Juniata State College. ""Are you trying to be better than us?"" was the old man's response. After stints coaching at Wake Forest and Kentucky, Knox was tapped by Weeb Ewbank as a coach for his fledgling New York Jets. Knox couldn't resist a challenge, and thanks to his persuading Ewbank to sign Joe Namath, the franchise was secured. But the big time was still considered to be the NFL, and when Knox was approached to coach for the Detroit Lions, his dream was realized. From there, success followed as head coach of the Los Angeles Rams, the Buffalo Bills, and the Seattle Seahawks. His 63% winning rate over those years translated into four NFL Coach of the Year awards, six NFL divisional championships, and ten playoff berths; he has yet to coach in the Super Bowl. A bit choppy--much of this was dictated into a microcassette recorder--but still an energetic, often fascinating glimpse into Knox's sports-storied life.

Pub Date: Oct. 20, 1988

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 15, 1988

Categories: NONFICTION