Tony Knap, the influential head coach who led Boise State football during its inaugural game on the iconic blue turf, has died at the age of 97. According to an announcement from the university, Knap passed away on July 23, 2024, leaving behind a legacy defined by the program’s successful transition to Division I-AA status.
A Legacy on The Blue
Tony Knap served as the head coach of the Boise State Broncos from 1968 to 1975. His tenure is marked by a period of sustained competitive excellence, finishing his career in Boise with a record of 71-19-1.
The most enduring visual legacy of his time at the helm occurred in 1975, when the university installed the first-ever blue artificial playing surface at Bronco Stadium. Knap was the coach in charge when the team debuted on the new turf, a decision that would eventually become the program’s most recognizable branding element.
Coaching Career and Transition to Division I
Before joining Boise State, Knap built a strong reputation in the coaching ranks, including a notable stint as an assistant at Utah State. Under his leadership, the Broncos moved from the College Division to the Division II level, and eventually set the stage for the program’s move to Division I-AA in 1978.
Following his departure from Boise State, Knap transitioned to UNLV, where he served as head coach from 1976 to 1981. At UNLV, he achieved a 47-20-2 record, further cementing his reputation as a builder of programs. His career winning percentage remained a point of pride for his former players and colleagues throughout his retirement.
Impact on Boise State Football
The significance of Knap’s tenure is often cited by university historians as the foundation for the program’s modern success. His 71 wins remain among the highest totals in school history.
- Boise State Record: 71-19-1
- UNLV Record: 47-20-2
- Career Total Wins: 118
The university noted that Knap’s ability to recruit and develop talent in the Pacific Northwest allowed Boise State to compete on a national stage during the 1970s. His death marks the end of an era for the program, as he was one of the final remaining figures from the foundational years of Bronco football.
Remembering Tony Knap
Knap’s influence extended beyond the scoreboard. Former players frequently credited him with instilling a disciplined culture that prioritized fundamentals and physical play. Even decades after his retirement, he remained a fixture in the memory of the program’s fanbase, remembered as the man who stood on the sidelines for the very first game played on the blue turf—a surface that has since become synonymous with Boise State athletics worldwide.