Marty Schottenheimer, a name synonymous with NFL coaching, left an indelible mark on professional football. Born on September 23, 1943, Schottenheimer's career spanned over three decades, showcasing his prowess both as a player and a coach. What made Marty Schottenheimer stand out in the NFL? His coaching philosophy, known as "Martyball," emphasized a strong running game, limited turnovers, and aggressive defense. Despite his regular season success, with 205 career wins, his teams struggled in the playoffs, never advancing beyond the conference championship. Schottenheimer's influence extended beyond his own teams, mentoring several notable coaches who continued his legacy. His meticulous preparation and motivational skills earned him respect across the league, making him one of the most influential figures in NFL history.
Early Life and Career
Marty Schottenheimer's journey in football began long before he became a renowned coach. His early years laid the foundation for his future success.
- 01Schottenheimer was born Martin Edward Schottenheimer on September 23, 1943.
- 02He started his football career as a linebacker in the NFL.
- 03Drafted in the fourth round of the 1965 NFL Draft, he played for the Buffalo Bills from 1965 to 1971.
- 04His playing days were marked by a strong work ethic and a keen understanding of the game.
Coaching Philosophy
Schottenheimer's coaching style, often referred to as "Martyball," became his signature approach. It focused on a few key principles that defined his teams.
- 05"Martyball" emphasized a strong running game and a passing game that limited turnovers.
- 06An aggressive defense was another cornerstone of his coaching philosophy.
- 07This conservative approach was praised for its stability but criticized for its inability to win big games.
Head Coaching Tenure
Schottenheimer's head coaching career spanned multiple teams and decades, showcasing his adaptability and leadership.
- 08His head coaching career began in 1984 with the Cleveland Browns.
- 09He went on to coach the Kansas City Chiefs from 1989 to 1998.
- 10Schottenheimer also coached the Washington Redskins in 2001.
- 11His final NFL coaching stint was with the San Diego Chargers from 2002 to 2006.
Coaching Record
Schottenheimer's impressive coaching record speaks volumes about his ability to build successful teams.
- 12During his 21 seasons as a head coach, he accumulated 205 career wins.
- 13This includes 200 regular season wins, placing him among the top coaches in NFL history.
- 14Despite his success, his teams never advanced beyond the conference championship round of the playoffs.
Playoff Record
While Schottenheimer's regular season success was undeniable, his playoff record was a different story.
- 15His teams reached the playoffs 13 times during his tenure.
- 16His playoff record stands at 5-13.
- 17He remains the only eligible NFL coach with at least 200 regular season wins who has not been inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Division Titles
Schottenheimer's teams consistently performed well in the regular season, often winning their divisions.
- 18Under his leadership, his teams won eight division titles.
- 19This regular season success was a testament to his ability to build consistent, winning teams year after year.
Coaching Tree
Schottenheimer's influence extended beyond his own teams, as he mentored several notable coaches.
- 20He mentored Lindy Infante, Bill Cowher, Tony Dungy, Gunther Cunningham, Herm Edwards, Mike McCarthy, Art Shell, Wade Phillips, Cam Cameron, Tony Sparano, and Hue Jackson.
- 21These coaches went on to have successful careers in the NFL, further cementing Schottenheimer's legacy.
NFL Coach of the Year
Schottenheimer's work with the San Diego Chargers earned him a prestigious award.
- 22In 2004, he was named NFL Coach of the Year.
- 23This recognition came after he led a team that had gone 4-12 the previous year to a 12-4 record.
Virginia Destroyers
After retiring from the NFL, Schottenheimer continued to find success in other football leagues.
- 24He coached in the United Football League (UFL) for one season with the Virginia Destroyers.
- 25During this time, he won a championship in 2011, adding another notable achievement to his career.
Kansas City Chiefs Hall of Fame
Schottenheimer's contributions to the Kansas City Chiefs were recognized with a special honor.
- 26He was inducted into the Kansas City Chiefs Hall of Fame in 2010.
- 27This honor underscored his significant impact on the team during his tenure.
Regular Season Success
Schottenheimer's teams consistently performed well in the regular season, showcasing his coaching prowess.
- 28He concluded his NFL career with a .613 regular season winning percentage.
- 29This winning percentage is one of the highest among all-time NFL coaches.
Legacy
Schottenheimer's legacy extends beyond his on-field achievements, influencing generations of players and coaches.
- 30He was known for his meticulous preparation and ability to motivate his players, leaving an indelible mark on the game.
Schottenheimer's Lasting Impact
Marty Schottenheimer's career in football is a blend of triumphs and near-misses. Known for his "Martyball" philosophy, he emphasized a strong running game, limited turnovers, and aggressive defense. His regular season success is undeniable, with 200 wins and eight division titles. However, his playoff record, 5-13, has often overshadowed his achievements. Despite this, his influence on the game is profound. He mentored many successful coaches like Bill Cowher and Tony Dungy, leaving a lasting legacy. Schottenheimer's induction into the Kansas City Chiefs Hall of Fame and his NFL Coach of the Year award in 2004 highlight his contributions. Though he never won a Super Bowl, his impact on the NFL is undeniable. Marty Schottenheimer's story is one of dedication, resilience, and a lasting influence on football.
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