Could Greg Knapp bring a new style for Seahawks offense?

Jim Mora took a running start to reshaping his Seahawks coaching staff this week with extra emphasis on the word "running."

Seattle reached agreement with Greg Knapp to become the Seahawks' offensive coordinator. Knapp was Mora's offensive coordinator for three seasons in Atlanta. The Falcons led the league in rushing each of those seasons.

Knapp previously worked with Mora in San Francisco, and for the past two years has served as Oakland's offensive coordinator. He lost play-calling responsibilities for the Raiders during the second half of the season. His contract with Oakland has expired, and while the Seahawks will not announce Knapp's hiring until paperwork is finalized, an agreement has been reached.

Gil Haskell served as the Seahawks' offensive coordinator the previous nine seasons under coach Mike Holmgren. Haskell has not been fired, so it remains possible he would stay on the staff in a different capacity.

John Marshall, Seattle's defensive coordinator, also is expected to have a different role if he remains. Seattle interviewed Tampa Bay assistant coach Casey Bradley on Wednesday, and the Seahawks received permission to speak with Browns defensive coordinator Mel Tucker, according to the Web site Profootballtalk.com. Tucker coached Cleveland's defensive backs before becoming the Browns' defensive coordinator last season.

Knapp has been an offensive coordinator for three teams the past eight seasons, and with each one he demonstrated a heavier diet of run plays than Seattle was accustomed to under Holmgren.

Knapp also showed an ability to put together a successful rushing attack with multiple backs.

Knapp had multiple players log more than 100 carries in each of his eight seasons as an offensive coordinator, and his offense finished with more rushes than passes in six of those eight seasons.

Seattle began its move toward using multiple backs last offseason when the Seahawks signed free agents T.J. Duckett and Julius Jones. Holmgren never found a role for Duckett outside of short-yardage situations. He tried to divide carries between Jones and Maurice Morris through the first three months, but in December went with Morris as the primary back.

Morris is scheduled to be an unrestricted free agent.

Note

• The Seahawks have signed former Oregon State receiver Mike Hass to a two-year contract. He will compete for a roster spot. He was on the Chicago Bears practice squad last season.

Danny O'Neil: 206-464-2364 or doneil@seattletimes.com