Promotion alert! After five years with the Cincinnati Bengals, Brad Kragthorpe has landed an enormous job. The former QB has been with the team since 2019 and has held several positions. But how did his recent promotion come? Actually, the Bengals promoted QB coach Dan Pitcher to offensive coordinator.

This implies that the position of QB coach became available, and assistant QB coach Kragthorpe seized the opportunity. Given that he is only 31, this was a significant move for him. But, amazingly, he inherited this coaching DNA from generations of his family.

Who is Brad Kragthorpe’s father?

You know they say like father, like son. And Brad Kragthorpe’s case is the same. His enthusiasm for football came solely from his father. In college, the man played quarterback for LSU, and his father, Steve Kragthorpe, was his coach. Steve was a two-time head coach and constantly encouraged his kid to become a great football player. The man was the head coach in Tulsa for three years, beginning in 2003. However, it did not work out, and he joined Louisville in 2007 for two years.

Brad has stated multiple times that his father was the reason he became a coach. In an interview, he explained, “Being a coach’s son was something that inspired me. Probably more than anything else. l loved the lifestyle. I loved being around the programs he was coaching in.”

While Steve was in great shape, his health suddenly deteriorated in 2011. He was diagnosed with Parkinsonism, which is a neurological disorder. Later, the sickness developed even further, and unfortunately, he passed away in August 2024 as a result of complications.

Steve was an important pillar in Brad Kragthrope’s career, but he was not the only one. The QB’s mother also was a great support for her, who built the foundation of the great coaching career of his. Although there is little to no information about her on the internet.

Brad’s father was only 59 when he died. Steve successfully transferred his sport genes to his kid, who he inherited from his father. Wait! Does this mean that Brad’s grandfather also played football?

Who was the QB coach’s grandfather?

Well, the Kragthorpe family’s generational wealth is not money, but rather their football blood. And, surprisingly, this interest began with Dave Kragthorpe. He was Brad Kragthorpe’s grandfather and was responsible for introducing football into the family. Dave had a coaching career that lasted approximately 25 years. Just unbelievable.

The man began his career with small teams before making his initial breakthrough in 1969. He was appointed HC of South Dakota State at the time. While things did not go well for him, the man’s consistent hard work and dedication earned him another major break. But his major break came a decade later, in 1980, when he joined Idaho State for two years. Then, in 1985, he spent five years at Oregon State.

During this period, he not only ensured that his career progressed but also instilled football confidence in his son, Steve Kragthorpe. Later, the same interest was transferred to Brad Kragthorpe, who we can currently see creating a name for himself in the coaching world. It will be intriguing to see how the Bengals quarterbacks perform under their new coach. So stay tuned for more updates.