Marty Schottenheimer: NFL Head Coach Biography

Marty Schottenheimer (1943–2021) was one of the most respected and influential head coaches in the history of the National Football League (NFL), known for his consistent regular-season success and his signature coaching style, often dubbed "Martyball."

Background and Playing Career

• Born: September 23, 1943, Canonsburg, Pennsylvania
• College: University of Pittsburgh (played linebacker)
• NFL Playing Career:
  • Buffalo Bills (AFL): 1965–1968
  • Boston Patriots: 1969–1970

Coaching Career

• Assistant Coaching Stints:
  • New York Giants (LB coach, Defensive Coordinator): 1975–1977
  • Detroit Lions (LB coach): 1978–1979
  • Cleveland Browns (DC): 1980–1984
• Cleveland Browns (Head Coach): 1984–1988
  • Led the Browns to four consecutive playoff appearances
  • Reached two AFC Championship Games (1986, 1987)
• Kansas City Chiefs (Head Coach): 1989–1998
  • Turned the franchise into a consistent winner
  • Seven playoff appearances in ten seasons
  • Three division titles
• Washington Redskins (Head Coach): 2001
  • Coached one season, finishing with an 8–8 record
• San Diego Chargers (Head Coach): 2002–2006
  • Revitalized the Chargers, culminating in a 14–2 record in 2006 (best in franchise history)
  • Won two AFC West division titles

Coaching Style and Legacy

• Known for "Martyball": a conservative, run-heavy offense and tough defense
• Career Regular Season Record: 200–126–1 (.613 winning percentage)
• Ranks among the top 10 all-time in NFL coaching wins
• Never reached the Super Bowl as a head coach, often narrowly missing in playoff heartbreakers
• Mentored future head coaches including Bill Cowher, Tony Dungy, and Herm Edwards

Honors and Personal Life

• Inducted into the Kansas City Chiefs Hall of Fame
• Father of Brian Schottenheimer, NFL coach
• Remembered as a leader, teacher, and motivator who left a lasting impact on players and coaches
• Passed away on February 8, 2021, after battling Alzheimer’s disease

Legacy & Career Overview

Marty Schottenheimer: NFL Head Coach Biography

Marty Schottenheimer was one of the most respected and influential head coaches in National Football League (NFL) history. Renowned for his intense leadership, consistency, and the philosophy known as "Martyball," Schottenheimer had a profound impact on every franchise he led. His career, marked by a relentless commitment to fundamentals and winning football, spanned over four decades and left an indelible mark on the game.

Early Life and Playing Career

• Born: September 23, 1943, in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania
• College: University of Pittsburgh

Marty Schottenheimer's journey to NFL greatness began in Western Pennsylvania, a region steeped in football tradition. He starred as a linebacker at the University of Pittsburgh, demonstrating a strong understanding of the game’s physical and cerebral demands. In 1965, he was drafted in both the NFL (by the Baltimore Colts) and the AFL (by the Buffalo Bills), ultimately choosing to play for the Bills. Schottenheimer enjoyed a solid six-year professional playing career, suiting up for the Bills and later the Boston Patriots, primarily as a linebacker.

Coaching Career

Early Coaching Years
After retiring as a player in 1971, Schottenheimer transitioned to coaching, beginning as a linebackers coach with the Portland Storm of the World Football League. He quickly made his way to the NFL, with assistant coaching positions for the New York Giants and the Detroit Lions. His reputation as a tough, fundamental coach helped him rise quickly up the ranks. Cleveland Browns (1984–1988)
Schottenheimer's first head coaching opportunity came with the Cleveland Browns in 1984, taking over midway through the season. He immediately instilled discipline and a winning mindset. Under his guidance, the Browns became perennial playoff contenders, highlighted by back-to-back AFC Championship Game appearances in the 1986 and 1987 seasons. Although his Browns squads fell heartbreakingly short of the Super Bowl—most famously in "The Drive" and "The Fumble" games—Schottenheimer’s tenure revitalized the franchise.

• Record with Browns: 44–27 (.620)
• Playoff Appearances: 4

Kansas City Chiefs (1989–1998)
Schottenheimer took over a struggling Kansas City Chiefs team in 1989 and immediately turned the franchise into a model of consistency. Over ten seasons, the Chiefs made the playoffs seven times and were known for their rugged defense and power running game. Schottenheimer’s 1993 Chiefs reached the AFC Championship Game, propelled by Hall of Famers such as Joe Montana and Marcus Allen.

• Record with Chiefs: 101–58–1 (.634)
• Playoff Appearances: 7

Washington Redskins (2001)
After a brief hiatus, Schottenheimer was hired as head coach of the Washington Redskins in
2001. Despite a slow start (0–5), he rallied the team to finish 8–8, narrowly missing the playoffs. His no-nonsense approach, however, clashed with management, and he was let go after just one season.

• Record with Redskins: 8–8

San Diego Chargers (2002–2006)
Schottenheimer’s final head coaching stop was with the San Diego Chargers. He inherited a team struggling for identity and quickly developed young stars like Drew Brees, LaDainian Tomlinson, and Antonio Gates. His 2006 Chargers team went 14–2—still the best regular-season record in franchise history—but fell in the playoffs, a result emblematic of his postseason frustrations.

• Record with Chargers: 47–33 (.588)
• 2006 NFL Coach of the Year

Coaching Legacy and Philosophy

Schottenheimer was famous for a tough, disciplined, and conservative coaching style, emphasizing mistake-free football, strong running games, and stout defense: the essence of "Martyball." His teams were consistently prepared, fundamentally sound, and fiercely competitive. While his regular-season success was extraordinary, Schottenheimer’s postseason record was less stellar—a fact that often overshadowed his achievements.

• Overall Head Coaching Record: 200–126–1 (.613)
• Playoff Record: 5–13
• 200 Career Wins: 8th all-time in NFL history
• 7 Division Titles

Relevant Facts and Highlights

• Schottenheimer is widely regarded as the greatest NFL head coach never to reach the Super Bowl.
• His teams reached the playoffs 13 times in 21 seasons as a head coach.
• Mentored and influenced numerous future head coaches, including Bill Cowher, Tony Dungy, Herm Edwards, and Cam Cameron.
• Inducted into the Kansas City Chiefs Hall of Fame.
• Remembered for his fiery sideline demeanor and inspirational pregame speeches.

Personal Life and Legacy

Marty Schottenheimer retired from coaching after the 2006 season and later revealed he was battling Alzheimer’s disease, a condition he faced with the same courage he brought to football. He passed away on February 8, 2021, at age
77. Schottenheimer’s legacy endures through the countless coaches and players he influenced, his family—including his son Brian, an NFL coach—and the high standard of excellence he set. Despite never capturing a Super Bowl title, Marty Schottenheimer is remembered as a football lifer, a leader of men, and one of the winningest coaches in NFL history.