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Former Raiders’ offensive coordinator Greg Knapp dies at 58

Knapp had two stints with the Silver and Black

Oakland Raiders 2007 Headshots
Greg Knapp
Photo by Getty Images

Former Raiders’ two-time offensive coordinator Greg Knapp died on Thursday after complications from a cycling accident on Saturday, his agent, Jeff Sperbeck, announced. Knapp was 58.

“Today at 11:32 am PST, Greg Knapp (aka Knapper) was called back home to Heaven where he will be reunited with his Dad,” Sperbeck said, according to Denver 9 News reporter Mike Klis, who tweeted out the news.

“On Sat. July 17th Greg was struck by a car while riding his bicycle, and was rendered unconscious immediately. Greg never regained consciousness. He was surrounded by his mom, wife, 3 daughters and brother.”

Sperbeck then, according to Klis, cited some of the notable players who had been coached by Knapp: “Steve Young, Jeff Garcia, Rick Mirer, Matt Schaub, Michael Vick, Peyton Manning, Matt Ryan, and most recently Zach Wilson. Those of us blessed to have known him, know that he would have wanted even this moment to be a teachable one.”

Former NFL quarterback and current ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky also tweeted his condolences.

Knapp was bicycling near his home in San Ramon, California, when he was hit by a car. He was hospitalized in critical condition.

Hired by New York Jets in January as their pass game specialist, Knapp was expected to help bring along No. 2 overall draft pick, quarterback Zach Wilson, in the upcoming season.

The Jets confirmed the tragic news on Thursday afternoon by sharing a statement from his family, and the Raiders followed up with their own message of remorse to Knapp.

Knapp was the Raiders’ offensive coordinator in 200-7-08 and again in 2012. Formerly a quarterback at Sacramento State, Knapp was with the Raiders as a player in the offseason from 1987-90.

He was entering his 25th season as an NFL coach. In addition to the Raiders and Jets, Knapp coached for the San Francisco 49ers, Atlanta Falcons, Seattle Seahawks, Houston Texans and Denver Broncos.

Knapp was known as one of the better quarterback coaches in the NFL. Our deepest condolences go out to Knapp’s family, friends, colleagues and players. RIP.