Brief Introduction of Marty Schottenheimer
Marty Schottenheimer was a highly respected and influential American professional football coach, best known for his 21 seasons as a head coach in the National Football League (NFL). Across his extensive career, he led four different NFL franchises: the Cleveland Browns, Kansas City Chiefs, Washington Redskins (now Commanders), and San Diego Chargers (now Los Angeles Chargers). Schottenheimer achieved an impressive 200 regular-season wins, placing him among the top coaches in NFL history. His coaching philosophy, often dubbed “Martyball,” emphasized a strong running game, a conservative passing attack that minimized turnovers, and an aggressive defense. Despite consistent regular-season success and numerous playoff appearances, a Super Bowl victory eluded him, a fact that became a notable part of his legacy. Schottenheimer passed away in 2021, leaving behind a profound impact on the sport and many players and coaches he mentored.
Marty Schottenheimer Overview
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Martin Edward Schottenheimer |
| Date of Birth | September 23, 1943 |
| Birthplace | Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Date of Death | February 8, 2021 (aged 77) |
| Place of Death | Charlotte, North Carolina, U.S. |
| Height | 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) |
| Weight | 225 lb (102 kg) |
| Profession | Professional Football Player (retired), Head Coach |
| Spouse | Patricia “Pat” A. Hoeltgen (married 1968) |
| Children | Kristen Schottenheimer, Brian Schottenheimer |
| Grandchildren | Brandon, Sutton, Savannah, Catherine |
| Net Worth (at time of passing) | Approximately $8 million |
| Notable Philosophy | “Martyball” (strong running game, limited turnovers, aggressive defense) |
Early Life and Education of Marty Schottenheimer
Martin Edward Schottenheimer was born on September 23, 1943, in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania. He was raised in McDonald, Pennsylvania, where he attended Fort Cherry High School. During his high school years, Schottenheimer excelled in athletics, playing football as a linebacker and also being a starter for the Rangers’ PIAA championship basketball team.
His passion for football continued into his college years at the University of Pittsburgh, where he played on the football team from 1961 to 1964. At Pitt, he played both center and linebacker, earning second-team All-American honors as a senior. Despite being seen by some as unlikely to excel professionally, his collegiate performance caught the attention of professional scouts.
Marty Schottenheimer’s Career
Marty Schottenheimer’s professional football journey began in 1965 when he was drafted by both the NFL’s Baltimore Colts (fourth round) and the AFL’s Buffalo Bills (seventh round). He chose to sign with the Buffalo Bills, where he played as a linebacker for four seasons from 1965 to 1968. During his rookie year, Schottenheimer was part of the Bills’ 1965 AFL Championship squad and earned an AFL All-Star selection. He later played for the Boston Patriots from 1969 to 1970. After a brief stint with the Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Colts in 1971, Schottenheimer retired from playing and ventured into the real estate industry for several years.
His return to football came in 1974, marking the beginning of his illustrious coaching career. He started as a player-coach for the Portland Storm of the World Football League (WFL), transitioning fully to a linebackers coach after a shoulder injury. In 1975, he joined the NFL’s New York Giants as a linebackers coach, being promoted to defensive coordinator in 1977. He then served as a linebackers coach for the Detroit Lions from 1978 to 1979.
Schottenheimer’s impactful NFL coaching career as a defensive coordinator began in 1980 with the Cleveland Browns. By 1984, he was named the head coach of the Browns, a position he held until 1988. During his tenure, he amassed a 44-27 regular-season record, guiding the team to four playoff appearances, three AFC Central Division titles, and two AFC Championship game appearances (both against the Denver Broncos).
He resigned from the Browns due to a dispute with ownership over his coaching staff and took over as head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs from 1989 to 1998. This was his longest stint with any team, where he compiled a 101-58-1 regular-season record. Schottenheimer led the Chiefs to seven playoff appearances and three AFC West titles, including an AFC Championship Game appearance in 1993. He resigned from the Chiefs in 1999, citing burnout, a decision he later regretted.
After a brief hiatus, he returned to the NFL in 2001 as the head coach and head of football operations for the Washington Redskins. Despite an 0-5 start, Schottenheimer’s Redskins famously became the first team in NFL history to win five consecutive games immediately after losing their first five, finishing the season 8-8. He was controversially fired after one season by owner Dan Snyder.
His final NFL head coaching role was with the San Diego Chargers from 2002 to 2006. He experienced significant regular-season success, leading the Chargers to a 12-4 record and an AFC West title in 2004, earning him NFL Coach of the Year honors. In 2006, he guided the team to a franchise-best 14-2 record, which was the league’s best record that year. Despite this, he was fired in 2007 following a disappointing playoff loss and reported dysfunction with the general manager.
In 2011, Schottenheimer took on one last coaching challenge, leading the Virginia Destroyers of the United Football League (UFL) to a championship in his single season with the team, also earning UFL Coach of the Year honors.
Overall, Marty Schottenheimer’s NFL head coaching career spanned 21 seasons, resulting in 200 regular season wins, 126 losses, and 1 tie. He made the playoffs 13 times and secured eight division titles. He holds the record for the most wins by an NFL head coach to not reach or win a Super Bowl.
Marty Schottenheimer Personal Life & Family
Marty Schottenheimer married Patricia “Pat” A. Hoeltgen in 1968. Their first meeting occurred during spring break on Daytona Beach, Florida, in 1965. Pat was a steadfast supporter throughout Marty’s extensive football career, often referring to his coaching as a full-time job for both of them.
The couple had two children: a daughter, Kristen, and a son, Brian. Brian Schottenheimer has followed in his father’s footsteps, pursuing a successful coaching career in the NFL, including stints as an offensive coordinator and now as a head coach for the Dallas Cowboys. Marty’s younger brother, Kurt Schottenheimer, also had a career as an NFL coach.
Marty and Pat Schottenheimer lived on Lake Norman in North Carolina. They were also blessed with four grandchildren: Brandon, Sutton, Savannah, and Catherine. The family cherished their time together, with Marty often enjoying golf and reading newspapers in retirement.
In 2011, Marty Schottenheimer was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease, though his family publicly confirmed the diagnosis in 2016. Despite the challenges of the disease, his wife Pat described him as “good,” “fun,” and “happy,” maintaining his personality. The family actively participated in clinical trials and raised awareness for Alzheimer’s. Schottenheimer passed away peacefully on February 8, 2021, at the age of 77, in Charlotte, North Carolina, due to complications from Alzheimer’s disease, with his family by his side.
Awards and Achievements of Marty Schottenheimer
Marty Schottenheimer’s long and successful career in football was marked by numerous accolades and significant achievements, both as a player and especially as a coach.
As a player:
1965 AFL Championship (Buffalo Bills)
1965 AFL All-Star (Buffalo Bills)
As a coach:
NFL Coach of the Year: 2004 (AP, PFW, Maxwell Club, UPI AFC Coach of the Year)
UPI AFC Coach of the Year: 1986
United Football League (UFL) Coach of the Year: 2011
UFL Championship: 2011 (Virginia Destroyers)
Kansas City Chiefs Hall of Fame induction: 2010
Team achievements under Schottenheimer’s head coaching:
Cleveland Browns (1984-1988):
3 AFC Central Division titles
4 Playoff appearances
2 AFC Championship Game appearances
Kansas City Chiefs (1989-1998):
3 AFC West titles
7 Playoff appearances
1 AFC Championship Game appearance
San Diego Chargers (2002-2006):
2 AFC West titles
2 Playoff appearances
Best regular season record in the NFL (14-2) in 2006
Schottenheimer holds the record for the most wins (200 regular season, 205 career) by an NFL head coach who never coached a team in a Super Bowl. He ranks seventh in regular season wins and eighth in career wins among NFL head coaches.
Marty Schottenheimer Net Worth and Income
At the time of his passing in February 2021, Marty Schottenheimer’s net worth was estimated to be around $8 million. This substantial net worth was accumulated through his long and consistent career in professional football, spanning both his playing days and his extensive, highly successful tenure as an NFL head coach. His income sources primarily stemmed from his professional contracts as a linebacker in the AFL and, more significantly, from his coaching salaries across various NFL teams (Cleveland Browns, Kansas City Chiefs, Washington Redskins, and San Diego Chargers) and his brief but successful stint in the United Football League. After his NFL coaching career ended in 2006, he also worked as an analyst for ESPN.
Legacy and Influence
Marty Schottenheimer’s legacy in the NFL is multifaceted, defined by his consistent regular-season success, his distinctive coaching philosophy, and the profound impact he had on numerous players and coaches. His coaching style, known as “Martyball,” emphasized a powerful running game, a strategic passing game designed to minimize turnovers, and a tenacious defense. This conservative, “smash-mouth” approach, while sometimes criticized for its lack of flash, proved highly effective in the regular season, leading his teams to 200 regular-season victories.
Schottenheimer considered himself a teacher and viewed the NFL as “a people business”. His ability to motivate and lead was widely respected, with many former players and assistants crediting him for their own development and success. His “coaching tree” is extensive and impressive, including future NFL head coaches such as Bill Cowher, Tony Dungy, Herm Edwards, Mike McCarthy, Bruce Arians, Lindy Infante, and Brian Schottenheimer, all of whom went on to achieve significant success, with some winning Super Bowls. Bill Cowher, who played for and coached under Schottenheimer, emphasized his mentor’s impact, stating, “He was a master motivator, a stickler for detail and for him, it all started with preparation. This man has not only influenced the game, but he’s influenced anybody who has ever played for him, coached with him or coached against him”.
Despite his consistent winning record, a Super Bowl title eluded him, a fact that remains a prominent part of discussions about his career. He reached the playoffs 13 times and three conference championship games, but his teams famously struggled in the postseason, compiling a 5-13 playoff record. This perceived “playoff curse” often overshadowed his remarkable regular-season achievements, leading him to be the only eligible NFL coach with at least 200 regular season wins not yet inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Nevertheless, his public image and the tributes following his passing highlighted his character and integrity. He was remembered as a passionate leader who cared deeply for his players and coaches. His daughter, Kristen, encapsulated his values, saying, “Now more than ever, he would want us to do what he did best: put one foot in front of the other and keep grinding forward, to take care of each other and take care of business, to simply be good to people and love with every single fiber of your being to truly make the world a better place”.
Interesting Facts about Marty Schottenheimer
”Martyball”: Schottenheimer’s distinctive coaching style, characterized by a strong running game, a disciplined passing attack, and aggressive defense, became so well-known it earned its own nickname: “Martyball”.
Winningest Coach Without a Super Bowl: He holds the distinction of being the NFL’s winningest head coach (200 regular-season wins, 205 career wins) to never reach or win a Super Bowl.
Coaching Tree: Marty Schottenheimer’s influence extended far beyond his own teams, with an impressive “coaching tree” that includes notable NFL head coaches like Bill Cowher, Tony Dungy, Mike McCarthy, and Bruce Arians, all of whom went on to win Super Bowls.
Emotional Leader: Schottenheimer was known for his intense and emotional locker room speeches, sometimes even shedding tears while addressing his players. He was a master motivator, often using phrases like “There’s a gleam, men,” “One play at a time!”, “This is us!”, and “We’ve got our people!”.
The “Midnight Rule”: He had a “Midnight Rule” for his teams, allowing players and coaches to celebrate victories until midnight on Sundays, after which they were expected to focus on the next week’s opponent.
From Player to Coach: Before his extensive coaching career, Schottenheimer played six seasons as a linebacker in the American Football League (AFL) for the Buffalo Bills and Boston Patriots, winning an AFL Championship with the Bills in 1965.
Impact on Franchises: He often took over struggling franchises and quickly turned them into contenders. For example, he made the Chiefs a consistent playoff team after they had only one postseason appearance in the 17 years prior to his arrival. He also led the Chargers to a remarkable turnaround, going from 4-12 to 12-4 in one season.
UFL Champion: In his final coaching endeavor, he led the Virginia Destroyers to a United Football League (UFL) championship in 2011, providing him with a professional championship title at the age of 68.
Family of Coaches: His son, Brian Schottenheimer, is also a prominent NFL coach, currently serving as a head coach for the Dallas Cowboys. His brother, Kurt Schottenheimer, also coached in the NFL.
Controversies
While Marty Schottenheimer’s career was largely free of major off-field scandals, his professional journey was marked by certain challenges and recurring “controversies” primarily related to his coaching decisions and playoff record.
Playoff Struggles: The most significant point of contention throughout Schottenheimer’s career was his inability to translate regular-season dominance into postseason success. Despite leading his teams to 13 playoff appearances and eight division titles, he compiled a 5-13 playoff record and never reached a Super Bowl. His teams suffered several heartbreaking playoff losses, often referred to by nicknames such as “The Drive” and “The Fumble” during his time with the Browns. This consistent playoff underperformance, particularly with highly talented teams like the 2006 Chargers who went 14-2 but lost their first playoff game, led to ongoing criticism of his conservative “Martyball” philosophy in crucial postseason moments.
Departures from Teams: Schottenheimer’s tenures with the Cleveland Browns and San Diego Chargers ended with notable friction. He left the Browns after the 1988 season due to disagreements with owner Art Modell regarding control over his coaching staff. His firing from the Chargers in 2007, despite a league-best 14-2 record, was attributed to consistent coaching turnover in his coordinator positions and alleged dysfunction between him and the Chargers’ general manager, A.J. Smith. His one-year stint with the Washington Redskins also ended abruptly when owner Daniel Snyder fired him after an 8-8 season.
Hall of Fame Exclusion: Despite ranking seventh all-time in regular-season wins, Marty Schottenheimer remains the only eligible NFL head coach with at least 200 regular-season victories who has not been inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. This exclusion is largely attributed to his less-than-stellar playoff record and lack of a Super Bowl title, a point of debate among football enthusiasts and his former players and colleagues.
Social Media Presence
As Marty Schottenheimer passed away in February 2021, he does not maintain an active personal social media presence in the traditional sense. However, his legacy and memory are widely celebrated across various platforms, often managed by sports organizations, media outlets, and his family.
Twitter/X: Following his death, numerous NFL teams, coaches, players, and media personalities used Twitter (now X) to pay tribute to Schottenheimer, sharing condolences, memories, and highlighting his impact on the game and their lives. Hashtags related to his name are still used when discussing his influence or historical NFL moments.
Instagram: While Schottenheimer did not have a personal Instagram account, images and videos commemorating his career are frequently shared by NFL accounts, team official pages (such as the Chiefs and Browns), and sports history pages. His son, Brian Schottenheimer, has also posted family images that include his late father.
YouTube: YouTube hosts numerous videos related to Marty Schottenheimer, including highlights from his coaching career, famous locker room speeches (like “There’s a gleam, men”), interviews, and tributes from players and analysts. Documentaries about his life, such as “Martyball: The Life and Triumphs of Marty Schottenheimer, The Coach Who Really Did Win It All,” also feature prominently.
* Official Team Websites: Teams he coached, particularly the Kansas City Chiefs and Cleveland Browns, maintain extensive archives and tributes to Schottenheimer on their official websites, acknowledging his significant contributions to their franchises.
His enduring influence on football and the personal connections he forged continue to be reflected in the ongoing digital footprint and shared memories across these platforms, even in his absence.
Final Words about Marty Schottenheimer
Marty Schottenheimer’s enduring legacy in the National Football League is that of a passionate and highly successful coach whose impact transcended win-loss records. Though a Super Bowl championship eluded him, his consistent ability to build winning teams and lead franchises to respectability cannot be overstated. He finished his NFL head coaching career with 200 regular-season victories, a testament to his tactical acumen and unwavering coaching philosophy known as “Martyball”. His commitment to a strong running game, disciplined passing, and aggressive defense instilled a culture of toughness and preparation wherever he coached.
Schottenheimer’s influence extended deeply into the lives of those he coached and mentored. His “coaching tree” produced numerous successful NFL head coaches, a clear indication of his ability as a teacher and leader. Players consistently lauded his integrity, his ability to motivate, and his genuine care for them as individuals. As his son, Brian Schottenheimer, eloquently put it, “They say, ‘Your father changed my life.’ And it’s his former players. He never won a Super Bowl. He won over 200 games in the NFL, but I would put his legacy up with anyone that’s ever coached the game”.
Marty Schottenheimer passed away in February 2021 after a battle with Alzheimer’s disease, but his spirit and teachings continue to resonate throughout the football world. He will always be remembered as a formidable competitor, a dedicated teacher, and a man who lived by his motto: “One play at a time!”. His contributions to the game of football, both on and off the field, solidified his place as one of the sport’s most revered figures.
