Knox Admits Firing Likely Ends Career

ANAHEIM, Calif. - Chuck Knox wanted to complete the final year of his contract, but management forced him to step down as the Los Angeles Rams' coach.

"This is probably the end of my 41-year coaching career," Knox said yesterday. "Certainly, I would have liked to continue, but, under the circumstances and after thorough discussion, it became apparent that was not going to be the case."

Knox, doomed by his 15-33 three-year record, was also hurt by the team's anticipated move to St. Louis.

"Obviously, there is a possibility the team will move," Ram President John Shaw said. "And if the team moves, it will be looking to get a fresh start."

The expected hiring of Steve Ortmayer, Los Angeles Raider special-teams coach, to become vice president of football operations is one more indication of the team's resolve to begin anew in St. Louis.

Shaw dismissed reports that he has focused on Wisconsin Coach Barry Alvarez, Minnesota Viking Coach Dennis Green and Ernie Zampese, Dallas offensive coordinator.

"I think that he's disappointed, as we were, that he didn't get the job done," Shaw said. "He still had some resolve to try and improve the football team. I wouldn't say he was resigned (to being fired)."

Knox, 62, who ranked No. 6 in NFL career victories, with an overall mark of 193-158-1, inherited a 3-13 team. But, unlike previous stops in Seattle and Buffalo, was unable to resurrect the team.

He is the only coach to win division titles with three different NFL teams. ----------------------------------------------------------------- Knox's career

Regular-season coaching record of Chuck Knox, who was fired as coach of the Los Angeles Rams (x-strike season):

Year Team Record Pct. . 1973 L.A. Rams 12-2 .857. . 1974 L.A. Rams 10-4 .714 . . 1975 L.A. Rams 12-2 .857 . . 1976 L.A. Rams 10-3-1 .750 . . 1977 L.A. Rams 10-4 .714 . . 1978 Buffalo 5-11 .313 . . 1979 Buffalo 7-9 .438 . . 1980 Buffalo 11-5 .688 . . 1981 Buffalo 10-6 .625 . . 1982 Buffalo-x 4-5 .444 . . 1983 Seattle 9-7 .563 . . 1984 Seattle 12-4 .750 . . 1985 Seattle 8-8 .500 . . 1986 Seattle 10-6 .625 . . 1987 Seattle-x 9-6 .600 . . 1988 Seattle 9-7 .563 . . 1989 Seattle 7-9 .438 . . 1990 Seattle 9-7 .563 . . 1991 Seattle 7-9 .438 . . 1992 L.A. Rams 6-10 .375 . . 1993 L.A. Rams 5-11 .313 . . 1994 L.A. Rams 4-12 .250 . . . Totals 186-147-1 .558. . . Note: Knox is 7-11 in the playoffs - 3-5 with L.A., 1-2 with Buffalo and 3-4 with Seattle. His overall record is 193-158..