What is marty schottenheimer?

Marty Schottenheimer was an American football coach known for his long career in the National Football League (NFL). Born on September 23, 1943, in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, Schottenheimer became one of the most respected and successful coaches in NFL history.

Schottenheimer played college football at the University of Pittsburgh before being drafted as a linebacker by the Buffalo Bills in the American Football League (AFL) in 1965. He also played for the Boston Patriots before retiring as a player.

As a coach, Schottenheimer began his NFL coaching career in the 1970s, initially serving as an assistant coach for teams like the New York Giants and Detroit Lions. He later became a head coach, with significant tenures at several teams:

  1. Cleveland Browns (1984–1988): Schottenheimer took over as head coach midway through the 1984 season. He led the Browns to several playoff appearances during his time there, gaining a reputation for his defensive acumen and leadership.

  2. Kansas City Chiefs (1989–1998): Under Schottenheimer, the Chiefs became one of the most consistently competitive teams in the NFL during the 1990s. He turned the franchise into a perennial playoff contender and achieved notable success, though a Super Bowl appearance eluded him.

  3. Washington Redskins (2001): He spent one season with the Redskins, where the team showed improvement despite a difficult start.

  4. San Diego Chargers (2002–2006): Schottenheimer revitalized the Chargers, particularly in the 2004 and 2006 seasons. In 2006, he led the team to a 14-2 record, the best in the NFL that year, although they were eliminated in the playoffs.

Marty Schottenheimer was famously known for his "Martyball" coaching style, characterized by a strong emphasis on the running game and a solid defensive strategy. Despite his numerous successful seasons and over 200 career victories, Schottenheimer's teams often struggled in the postseason, never advancing to the Super Bowl.

He passed away on February 8, 2021, at the age of 77, after battling Alzheimer's disease. His legacy is remembered for his coaching skill, leadership, and impact on the teams he coached throughout his career.