is a seasoned NFL coach known for his offensive expertise. The son of legendary coach Marty Schottenheimer, Brian has served as an offensive coordinator for several teams, including the New York Jets, Seattle Seahawks, and Dallas Cowboys. His leadership and innovative play-calling continue to influence NFL offenses.
Brian Schottenheimer - NFL Head Coach Bio
Background:
Brian Schottenheimer, born October 16, 1973, is a highly respected American football coach with deep ties to the sport. The son of legendary NFL head coach Marty Schottenheimer, Brian has carved his own path in both college and professional football, primarily as an offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach.
Playing Career:
Schottenheimer played quarterback at the University of Florida under Steve Spurrier after transferring from the University of Kansas. While his playing career was modest, his football IQ and leadership qualities pointed him toward coaching early on.
Coaching Career:
- College Football: Schottenheimer began his coaching career as an assistant at Syracuse, USC, and then back at Kansas.
- Early NFL Roles: He started in the NFL as an assistant with the St. Louis Rams (2001–2005), helping develop quarterbacks and running backs.
- Offensive Coordinator - New York Jets (2006–2011): Schottenheimer served as the Jets' offensive coordinator, helping the team reach the AFC Championship Game in both 2009 and 2010.
- St. Louis Rams (2012–2014): He was the Rams’ offensive coordinator, working with young quarterbacks and coordinating the offense through a rebuilding period.
- Georgia Bulldogs (2015): Schottenheimer returned to the college ranks for one season as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach.
- Indianapolis Colts (2016–2017): He returned to the NFL as quarterbacks coach, working with Andrew Luck and Jacoby Brissett.
- Seattle Seahawks (2018–2020): Schottenheimer was the offensive coordinator, overseeing some of Russell Wilson’s best statistical seasons and helping the team to multiple playoff appearances.
- Jacksonville Jaguars (2021): Served as passing game coordinator and quarterbacks coach.
- Dallas Cowboys (2022–present): Schottenheimer joined the Cowboys as an offensive analyst and was promoted to offensive coordinator ahead of the 2023 season.
Highlights & Accomplishments:
- Known for his expertise in quarterback development and offensive play-calling.
- Helped guide the Jets to back-to-back AFC Championship appearances.
- Instrumental in the progression of Pro Bowl quarterbacks including Russell Wilson and Dak Prescott.
- Part of numerous playoff teams as an offensive coordinator in both the AFC and NFC.
Relevant Facts:
Brian Schottenheimer is widely respected for his football pedigree, innovative offensive schemes, and ability to adapt to different personnel. Though he has yet to serve as a permanent NFL head coach, his name is consistently mentioned in head coaching searches due to his wealth of experience and leadership skills.
Family Legacy:
Brian is the son of Marty Schottenheimer, one of the winningest head coaches in NFL history, and has carried on the family tradition of excellence and integrity in coaching.
Legacy & Career Overview
Brian Schottenheimer: An In-Depth Biography
Early Life and Background
Brian Schottenheimer was born on October 16, 1973, in Denver, Colorado. He is the son of the late Marty Schottenheimer, a revered NFL head coach known for his long tenure with teams such as the Cleveland Browns, Kansas City Chiefs, and San Diego Chargers. Growing up in a football family, Brian was immersed in the sport from a young age, frequently accompanying his father to practices and games, which profoundly influenced his path in life.
Playing Career
Brian attended Blue Valley High School in Stilwell, Kansas, where he was a standout quarterback. He continued his football journey at the University of Florida, playing under legendary coach Steve Spurrier from 1994 to
1996. Although he primarily served as a backup quarterback, Schottenheimer was respected for his football IQ and leadership qualities on the field. While he did not have a high-profile college playing career or advance to the NFL as a player, his time at Florida provided him a solid foundation for his eventual transition into coaching.
Early Coaching Career
After graduating, Schottenheimer quickly transitioned into coaching, starting as an assistant for the St. Louis Rams in
1997. Over the next several years, he held several assistant roles in both college and the NFL, including positions with the Kansas City Chiefs and Syracuse University. His early coaching experiences allowed him to learn from a variety of systems and football minds, further developing his own offensive philosophy.
Rise Through the NFL Ranks
Brian Schottenheimer's NFL coaching career truly gained traction in the early 2000s. He served as quarterbacks coach for the Washington Redskins (2001) and the San Diego Chargers (2002–2005), where he worked with young quarterback Drew Brees, helping to develop his early career. Schottenheimer's ability to connect with quarterbacks and design effective passing schemes made him a sought-after offensive mind.
In 2006, Schottenheimer landed his first significant role as Offensive Coordinator with the
New York Jets. During his six-year tenure (2006–2011), the Jets made two consecutive AFC Championship Game appearances (2009 and 2010) under head coach Rex Ryan. Schottenheimer was credited with helping to develop rookie quarterback Mark Sanchez and overseeing one of the league's most effective rushing attacks during that period.
Following his time with the Jets, Schottenheimer became the Offensive Coordinator for the
St. Louis Rams (2012–2014), where he worked with quarterback Sam Bradford and later, rookie Nick Foles. He then moved to the college ranks, serving as the Offensive Coordinator for the University of Georgia in 2015, before returning to the NFL as the quarterbacks coach for the Indianapolis Colts in
2016.
Later NFL Coaching Roles
In 2018, Brian Schottenheimer joined the
Seattle Seahawks as their Offensive Coordinator, a position he held through the 2020 season. Under his guidance, the Seahawks offense saw significant improvements, including a career-best season for quarterback Russell Wilson in
2020. Despite the regular-season success, playoff struggles led to his departure after the 2020 season.
Schottenheimer continued his NFL journey with the
Jacksonville Jaguars as Passing Game Coordinator and Quarterbacks Coach in 2021, working with rookie quarterback Trevor Lawrence during a challenging rebuilding year.
Dallas Cowboys Tenure
In 2022, Schottenheimer joined the
Dallas Cowboys as an offensive consultant. His deep experience and analytical approach quickly earned him a promotion to Offensive Coordinator in 2023 under head coach Mike McCarthy. With the Cowboys, Schottenheimer has had the opportunity to work with star quarterback Dak Prescott and help shape one of the league’s most potent offenses, contributing to the team's playoff runs and continued offensive production.
Coaching Philosophy and Legacy
Brian Schottenheimer is known for his attention to detail, quarterback development, and balanced offensive schemes. Following in his father's footsteps, he emphasizes discipline, preparation, and adaptability. While he has yet to serve as an NFL head coach, his nearly three decades of experience at both the college and professional levels have cemented his reputation as a respected offensive strategist.
Relevant Facts and Accomplishments
- Son of NFL coaching legend Marty Schottenheimer.
- Played quarterback at the University of Florida under Steve Spurrier.
- Coached in numerous roles across the NFL and NCAA since 1997.
- Offensive Coordinator for the New York Jets during two AFC Championship appearances (2009, 2010).
- Guided Russell Wilson to career-best numbers as Seattle Seahawks Offensive Coordinator.
- Current Offensive Coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys.
Conclusion
Brian Schottenheimer's football journey has been defined by his passion for the game, deep football roots, and a commitment to excellence. While he has not yet reached the head coaching ranks in the NFL, his influence on the league—through quarterback development, offensive innovation, and leadership—has made him a significant figure in modern football coaching circles. As he continues his career with the Dallas Cowboys, Schottenheimer remains a name to watch for future head coaching opportunities and further contributions to the sport.