Marty Schottenheimer was a former American football player and coach who had a successful career in the National Football League (NFL). He played as a linebacker for the Buffalo Bills and Boston Patriots from 1965 to 1970 before transitioning to coaching.
Schottenheimer began his coaching career as a linebackers coach for the Portland Storm in the World Football League (WFL) in 1974. He then moved on to coach for various NFL teams, including the New York Giants, Kansas City Chiefs, Washington Redskins, and San Diego Chargers.
Schottenheimer's most successful coaching stint was with the Chiefs, where he led the team to three playoff appearances and two AFC West division titles in the 1990s. He also coached the Chargers to the playoffs in 2004 and 2006.
Throughout his coaching career, Schottenheimer was known for his emphasis on discipline and a strong work ethic. He was also known for his conservative coaching style, which often prioritized a strong defense and a ball-control offense.
Despite his success, Schottenheimer never won a Super Bowl as a head coach. He had a career record of 200 wins, 126 losses, and one tie, making him the eighth-winningest coach in NFL history at the time of his retirement.
Schottenheimer's coaching career came to an end in 2007 when he was fired by the Chargers after a 14-2 season. He then briefly worked as a television analyst before retiring from football altogether.
In 2011, Schottenheimer was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, a progressive brain disorder that affects memory and cognitive function. He passed away on February 8, 2021, at the age of 77.
Despite never winning a Super Bowl, Schottenheimer's impact on the NFL was significant. He was a respected coach who instilled discipline and a strong work ethic in his players, and his conservative coaching style influenced many coaches who came after him.
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