History of Marty Schottenheimer in Timeline
Marty Schottenheimer was a prominent American football coach and linebacker in the NFL for 21 seasons. He held head coaching positions for the Cleveland Browns, Kansas City Chiefs, Washington Redskins, and San Diego Chargers. Despite a remarkable 200 regular season wins, placing him seventh overall in NFL history and eighth including playoff games (with 205 total wins), he is notable for never winning a Super Bowl. In 2011, he led the Virginia Destroyers to a UFL championship. He is also an inductee of the Kansas City Chiefs Hall of Fame (2010). Schottenheimer's legacy is marked both by consistent regular season success and the unfortunate absence of a championship title.
1934: Chiefs Break Record from 1934
The 1997 Chiefs broke a 63-year-old record held by the 1934 Detroit Lions by not allowing a second-half touchdown in ten consecutive games.
September 23, 1943: Birth of Marty Schottenheimer
Marty Schottenheimer was born on September 23, 1943.
1962: Marty Schottenheimer begins playing football at University of Pittsburgh
Marty Schottenheimer started playing football at the University of Pittsburgh in 1962.
1964: Marty Schottenheimer earns All-American honors
In 1964, Marty Schottenheimer earned second-team All-American honors as a senior at the University of Pittsburgh.
1965: Marty Schottenheimer drafted and signs with Buffalo Bills
Marty Schottenheimer was drafted by the Baltimore Colts and Buffalo Bills in 1965, and signed with the Bills. He was also part of the Bills' AFL Championship team that year.
1968: Marty Schottenheimer's Marriage
Marty Schottenheimer married his wife in 1968.
1969: Marty Schottenheimer intercepts two passes in preseason game
During the 1969 preseason, Marty Schottenheimer intercepted two passes in a game against the Houston Oilers.
1969: Marty Schottenheimer traded to Boston Patriots
Some time between the 1969 preseason and regular season, Marty Schottenheimer was traded to the Boston Patriots.
1969: Best Season Since 1969
The Chiefs achieved their best season record since 1969, reaching 11-5.
1969: Chiefs' Winning Streak
The Chiefs had a seven-game winning streak in 1995, their longest since 1969.
July 1971: Marty Schottenheimer traded to Pittsburgh Steelers and then Baltimore Colts
In July 1971, Marty Schottenheimer was traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers and then to the Baltimore Colts.
1971: Marty Schottenheimer retires from playing football
Marty Schottenheimer retired from playing professional football in 1971.
1971: First AFC West Title Since 1971
The Chiefs' AFC West title in 1993 was their first since 1971.
1974: Marty Schottenheimer joins Portland Storm as player-coach
In 1974, Marty Schottenheimer came out of retirement to join the Portland Storm of the World Football League as a player-coach, but an injury led him to become the linebackers coach.
1974: Marty Schottenheimer begins professional coaching career
Marty Schottenheimer's professional coaching career began in 1974 with the Portland Storm.
1975: Marty Schottenheimer becomes New York Giants linebackers coach
In 1975, Marty Schottenheimer became the linebackers coach for the New York Giants.
1977: Marty Schottenheimer becomes New York Giants defensive coordinator
Marty Schottenheimer was promoted to defensive coordinator for the New York Giants in 1977.
1978: Marty Schottenheimer becomes Detroit Lions linebackers coach
Marty Schottenheimer became the linebackers coach for the Detroit Lions in 1978.
1979: Marty Schottenheimer continues as Detroit Lions linebackers coach
In 1979, Marty Schottenheimer continued his role as linebackers coach for the Detroit Lions.
1980: Marty Schottenheimer becomes Cleveland Browns defensive coordinator
Marty Schottenheimer was hired as the defensive coordinator for the Cleveland Browns in 1980.
October 22, 1984: Marty Schottenheimer replaces Sam Rutigliano as Browns head coach
On October 22, 1984, Marty Schottenheimer replaced Sam Rutigliano as head coach of the Cleveland Browns.
1984: Marty Schottenheimer becomes Cleveland Browns Head Coach
In 1984, Marty Schottenheimer replaced Sam Rutigliano as head coach of the Cleveland Browns.
1985: Browns draft Bernie Kosar
The Cleveland Browns drafted quarterback Bernie Kosar in the 1985 supplemental draft.
1985: Browns win AFC Central
The Cleveland Browns won the AFC Central division in 1985.
January 4, 1986: Browns lose to Dolphins in divisional playoff game
On January 4, 1986, the Cleveland Browns lost to the Miami Dolphins in a divisional playoff game.
1986: Playoff Disappointment
In 1986, the Cleveland Browns experienced a disheartening playoff loss, setting the stage for the following season.
1986: Browns' playoff run ends in AFC Championship game
In 1986, the Cleveland Browns reached the AFC Championship game, where they lost to the Denver Broncos after "The Drive".
1986: Previous Playoff Appearance
The Chiefs' 1990 playoff appearance marked their first since 1986.
1987: AFC Central Title and Playoff Run
In 1987, the Browns secured the AFC Central title for the third consecutive year, achieving a 10-5 record. They defeated the Indianapolis Colts in the divisional round but suffered a narrow defeat against the Denver Broncos in the AFC Championship, marked by "The Fumble" by Earnest Byner.
1988: Browns Tenure Summary
By 1988, Schottenheimer's tenure with the Browns concluded with a 44-27 regular-season record, four playoff appearances, three AFC Central titles, and two AFC Championship appearances.
1988: End of Marty Schottenheimer's tenure with the Cleveland Browns
In 1988, Marty Schottenheimer's time as head coach of the Cleveland Browns came to an end.
1988: Injury-Riddled Season and Departure
The 1988 season saw the Browns struggle with quarterback injuries. Despite a 10-6 record and a playoff appearance as a wild-card team, they lost to the Houston Oilers. Following the loss, Schottenheimer and team owner Art Modell mutually agreed to part ways due to unresolved differences regarding coaching strategies.
January 24, 1989: Appointment as Chiefs Head Coach
Marty Schottenheimer was appointed head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs on January 24, 1989, by general manager Carl Peterson.
1989: Marty Schottenheimer becomes Kansas City Chiefs Head Coach
Marty Schottenheimer began his role as head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs in 1989.
1989: Start with Chiefs
Schottenheimer began coaching the Chiefs in 1989.
1989: Last Missed Playoffs
The Chiefs missed the playoffs in 1996 for the first time since 1989.
1990: Chiefs' Resurgence and Playoff Berth
In 1990, the Chiefs secured a playoff berth for the first time since 1986, finishing with an 11-5 record, their best since 1969. However, they lost to the Miami Dolphins in the wild-card game.
1990: Montana's Return to Opening Day
Joe Montana's debut marked his return to an Opening Day game after last appearing in one in 1990.
January 5, 1991: Wild Card Loss to Miami
The Chiefs lost a close wild-card playoff game to the Miami Dolphins on January 5, 1991.
1991: First Home Playoff Game in 20 Years and Playoff Run
In 1991, the Chiefs hosted their first home playoff game in two decades, defeating the Los Angeles Raiders in the wild-card round. Their playoff run ended with a loss to the Buffalo Bills in the divisional round.
January 5, 1992: Divisional Playoff Loss at Buffalo
The Chiefs lost to the Buffalo Bills on January 5, 1992, in the divisional round of the playoffs.
1992: Bill Cowher Becomes Steelers Head Coach
Bill Cowher began his tenure as head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1992.
1992: Defensive Dominance and Playoff Loss
In 1992, despite a strong finish with a 10-6 record and a playoff appearance, the Chiefs suffered a shutout loss to the San Diego Chargers in the wild-card round.
January 2, 1993: Wild Card Shutout Loss to Chargers
The Chiefs were shut out by the San Diego Chargers in a wild card playoff game on January 2, 1993.
1993: AFC Championship Appearance
In 1993, the Chiefs reached the AFC Championship game but lost to the Buffalo Bills.
1993: Montana and Allen Join Chiefs and AFC West Title
The Chiefs acquired Joe Montana and Marcus Allen in 1993, implementing the West Coast offense. They won the AFC West title for the first time since 1971, finishing with an 11-5 record.
January 8, 1994: Playoff Comeback and AFC Championship Appearance
The Chiefs, led by Joe Montana, made a playoff run in 1994, defeating the Steelers and Oilers before falling to the Bills in the AFC Championship game.
1994: Montana's Final Season and Playoff Loss
In 1994, the Chiefs achieved a 9-7 record and made the playoffs for the fifth consecutive year. Joe Montana played his final professional game in a playoff loss against the Miami Dolphins.
1994: Chargers' First Division Title Since 1994
The Chargers won their first division title since 1994 in the 2004 season.
April 18, 1995: Montana Retires; Bono Steps Up
On April 18, 1995, Joe Montana announced his retirement, and Steve Bono became the Chiefs' starting quarterback. Despite media predictions of a decline, Schottenheimer expressed confidence in his team.
1995: Chargers' First Winning Season Since 1995
The 2004 season marked the Chargers' first winning record and playoff appearance since 1995.
1995: Chiefs' Previous Success
The Chiefs had a successful season in 1995, serving as a basis for high expectations in 1996.
1996: Chiefs' Season of High Expectations and Disappointment
In 1996, the Chiefs, initially favored to reach the Super Bowl, started strong with a 4-0 record. However, they lost three of their next four games, ultimately finishing 9-7 and missing the playoffs for the first time since 1989.
1996: Tony Dungy Becomes Buccaneers Head Coach
Tony Dungy started coaching the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 1996.
1997: Chiefs' Resurgence with Grbac
In 1997, with new quarterback Elvis Grbac, the Chiefs achieved a 13-3 record, won the AFC West, and boasted a strong defense, setting a new team record for the fewest points allowed in a 16-game season.
1998: Bruce Arians' Coaching Career Begins with the Colts
In 1998, Bruce Arians began his NFL coaching career as the quarterbacks coach for the Indianapolis Colts.
1998: End of Marty Schottenheimer's tenure with the Kansas City Chiefs
In 1998, Marty Schottenheimer concluded his time as head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs.
1998: End with Chiefs
Schottenheimer ended his time with the Chiefs in 1998.
1998: Chiefs' Downfall and Schottenheimer's Burnout
The Chiefs fell to a 7-9 record in 1998, leading to Schottenheimer's resignation due to perceived burnout and criticism of his coaching style.
January 11, 1999: Schottenheimer Resigns from Chiefs
On January 11, 1999, Marty Schottenheimer resigned as head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs, later admitting it was his biggest mistake.
1999: Schottenheimer Works as Analyst
Schottenheimer became a football analyst for ESPN from 1999-2000.
1999: Dungy Begins Playoff Streak
Tony Dungy began a streak of ten consecutive playoff appearances in 1999.
2000: Bruce Arians Concludes his Stint with the Colts
In 2000, Bruce Arians finished his role as quarterbacks coach for the Indianapolis Colts, where he mentored Peyton Manning.
2000: Schottenheimer Continues Analyst Work
Schottenheimer concluded his work as a football analyst for ESPN in 2000.
2001: Schottenheimer Coaches Redskins
In 2001, Schottenheimer coached the Washington Redskins to a record of 8-8, narrowly missing the playoffs.
2001: Marty Schottenheimer becomes Washington Redskins Head Coach
Marty Schottenheimer was the head coach of the Washington Redskins in 2001.
2001: Dungy Leaves Buccaneers
Tony Dungy left his position as head coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2001.
January 13, 2002: Schottenheimer Fired by Redskins
Despite leading the Redskins to a comeback season in 2001, Schottenheimer was fired by owner Daniel Snyder on January 13, 2002.
2002: Schottenheimer Hired by Chargers
Following consecutive last-place finishes, the San Diego Chargers hired Marty Schottenheimer as their head coach in 2002.
2002: Marty Schottenheimer becomes San Diego Chargers Head Coach
Marty Schottenheimer's tenure as head coach of the San Diego Chargers began in 2002.
2002: Dungy Becomes Colts Head Coach
Tony Dungy became the head coach of the Indianapolis Colts in 2002.
2003: Chargers Struggle; Secure First Overall Pick
The Chargers, under Schottenheimer, had a 4-12 record in 2003, earning the first overall pick in the 2004 NFL Draft.
2004: Chargers' Resurgence and Schottenheimer's Coach of the Year Award
After a disappointing 2003 season, Schottenheimer led the Chargers to a 12-4 record and the AFC West title in 2004, earning him NFL Coach of the Year honors.
2004: Bruce Arians Joins the Pittsburgh Steelers
Bruce Arians joined the Pittsburgh Steelers as an offensive assistant in 2004.
2004: Chargers Draft Eli Manning, Trade for Philip Rivers
In 2004, the Chargers drafted Eli Manning but traded him to the New York Giants for Philip Rivers and additional draft picks.
2004: Chargers' Playoff Loss to Jets
In the 2004 playoffs, the Chargers lost to the New York Jets in overtime after a missed field goal by Nate Kaeding.
2004: Marty Schottenheimer named NFL Coach of the Year
Marty Schottenheimer was named NFL Coach of the Year in 2004 while coaching the San Diego Chargers.
2006: Cowher Resigns as Steelers Coach
Bill Cowher resigned from his position as head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2006.
2006: Bruce Arians Transitions to Offensive Coordinator
In 2006, Bruce Arians transitioned from wide receivers coach to offensive coordinator for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
2006: End of Marty Schottenheimer's tenure with the San Diego Chargers
In 2006, Marty Schottenheimer's time as head coach of the San Diego Chargers ended.
2006: Chargers Achieve Franchise-Best Record
In 2006, the Chargers, under Schottenheimer, achieved a franchise-best 14-2 record, securing the top seed in the AFC.
2006: Chargers' Playoff Loss to Patriots
In the 2006 playoffs, the Chargers were upset by the New England Patriots after a late fumble by Marlon McCree and another missed field goal by Nate Kaeding.
2006: Mike McCarthy Becomes Packers Head Coach
Mike McCarthy was hired as head coach of the Green Bay Packers in 2006.
February 12, 2007: Marty Schottenheimer Fired by San Diego Chargers
Despite leading the Chargers to a 14-2 season in 2006, Marty Schottenheimer was fired on February 12, 2007, by team president Dean Spanos. The reasons cited were "dysfunction" between Schottenheimer and general manager A. J. Smith, and recent coaching staff changes.
2007: Favre's Last Season with Packers Under McCarthy
Brett Favre played his final season with the Green Bay Packers under coach Mike McCarthy in 2007.
2007: Bruce Arians Officially Becomes Offensive Coordinator
In 2007, Bruce Arians officially started his role as offensive coordinator for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
2008: Rodgers Becomes Packers Starting Quarterback
Aaron Rodgers took over as the starting quarterback for the Green Bay Packers in 2008, under coach Mike McCarthy.
2008: Schottenheimer Declines Contract Extension
Marty Schottenheimer declined a one-year, $4.5 million contract extension with the San Diego Chargers in 2008.
2008: Dungy Retires from Coaching
Tony Dungy retired from coaching the Indianapolis Colts in 2008.
2010: Marty Schottenheimer inducted into Kansas City Chiefs Hall of Fame
Marty Schottenheimer was inducted into the Kansas City Chiefs Hall of Fame in 2010.
2011: Bruce Arians Ends his Time with the Steelers
In 2011, Bruce Arians concluded his time as offensive coordinator for the Pittsburgh Steelers, having contributed to two Super Bowl victories.
2011: Marty Schottenheimer's Alzheimer's Diagnosis
Marty Schottenheimer was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in 2011.
2012: Bruce Arians Returns to the Colts, Becomes Interim Head Coach
In 2012, Bruce Arians returned to the Indianapolis Colts, this time as interim head coach while Chuck Pagano underwent treatment for leukemia.
2012: Schottenheimer Resigns from Destroyers
Shortly before the 2012 season, Marty Schottenheimer abruptly resigned from the Virginia Destroyers, citing unspecified issues with the team. He later sued team owner William Hambrecht for unpaid salary and received a settlement.
2013: Schottenheimer's Legacy Discussed
A 2013 NFL.com article highlighted the lasting impact of Marty Schottenheimer's regular season success and stability on the teams he coached. It noted that teams struggled after his departures, experiencing losing records and multiple coaching changes.
2013: Bruce Arians Takes the Helm of the Arizona Cardinals
Bruce Arians started his tenure as head coach of the Arizona Cardinals in 2013.
2016: Public Announcement of Schottenheimer's Alzheimer's
The public announcement of Marty Schottenheimer's Alzheimer's diagnosis was made in 2016, revealing that the disease was progressing slowly.
2016: Dungy's Hall of Fame Induction
Tony Dungy was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2016.
2017: Bruce Arians Concludes Time with Cardinals
Bruce Arians finished his role as head coach of the Arizona Cardinals in 2017.
December 2018: Marty Schottenheimer Supports Andy Reid
In December 2018, Marty Schottenheimer made a pre-recorded speech congratulating Andy Reid for surpassing him in coaching wins, showing his continued involvement in the football community.
2018: McCarthy's Tenure with Packers Ends
Mike McCarthy's time as head coach of the Green Bay Packers ended in 2018.
2019: Bruce Arians Becomes Head Coach of Buccaneers
After a year as an NFL analyst, Bruce Arians returned to coaching in 2019, becoming the head coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
2020: Cowher Inducted into Hall of Fame
Bill Cowher was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2020.
2020: Chargers Fans Chant Schottenheimer's Name
Following a 1-3 start in the 2020 season, San Diego Chargers fans chanted Marty Schottenheimer's name at Qualcomm Stadium, expressing their displeasure with his firing years earlier.
February 3, 2021: Marty Schottenheimer Enters Hospice Care
On February 3, 2021, Marty Schottenheimer's family announced that he had been placed in hospice care.
February 8, 2021: Death of Marty Schottenheimer
Marty Schottenheimer passed away on February 8, 2021.
2021: Bill Cowher Praises Schottenheimer at Hall of Fame Induction
During his 2021 Hall of Fame induction speech, Bill Cowher praised Marty Schottenheimer's influence on the NFL, highlighting his motivational skills, attention to detail, and focus on preparation. Cowher also expressed hope for Schottenheimer's future Hall of Fame induction.
