For the last two NFL seasons, Greg Knapp has been the quarterbacks coach for the Houston Texans. However, according to the NFL Network, Knapp has been hired as the Oakland Raiders new offensive coordinator. This means that Knapp will be returning to Oakland. Knapp was the Raiders quarterback coach in 2007 and became the interim play-caller when former head coach Lane Kiffin was fired.
Eventually, Tom Cable would take over as the Raiders’ head coach and JaMarcus Russell would step in as offensive coordinator. Knapp left the Raiders and went to the Seahawks in 2009. The next season, Knapp began his two seasons with the Houston Texans.
Knapp has filled the shoes of offensive coordinator before. He was with the San Francisco 49ers in that capacity from 2001-2003, the Seattle Seahawks in 2009, and the Atlanta Falcons in 2004-2005. Dennis Allen, the Raiders’ coach, also worked with Knapp when he was with the Atlanta Falcons, so he knows exactly what he’s getting bringing Knapp on board. Knapp had a huge hand in developing T.J. Yates, a rookie quarterback for the Texans, this year. Yates ended up seeing a lot of time on the field after Matt Schaub and Matt Leinart were both out for the season with injuries.
Allen has not confirmed Knapp’s hiring, saying that Reggie McKenzie and he would get together to determine when to release information regarding the Raiders’ staff.
Knapp is known for coordinating exceptionally effective running games. In nine seasons as a coordinator, Knapp has managed to produce seven top five finishes in rushing attempts. At Oakland, Knapp will have some good players for which to emphasize the running game. Of course, that will also depend on if Darren McFadden is healthy. He missed nine games this past season with an injury to his foot. In addition, the Raiders will need to re-sign Michael Bush.
