Marty Schottenheimer Head Coach
Marty Schottenheimer: NFL head coach with 205 career wins, most among coaches without a championship.
Martin Edward Schottenheimer (September 23, 1943 – February 8, 2021) was an American professional football linebacker and coach who served as a head coach in the NFL for 21 seasons, including for the San Diego Chargers from 2002 to 2006.
- Role
- Head Coach
- Affiliation
- San Diego Chargers (2002–2006)
- Tenure Length
- 5 Seasons
- Playoff Appearances
- 3
- Notable Achievement
- Led team to 2 AFC West division titles
Lore & Background
Schottenheimer was born in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, and attended Fort Cherry High School in McDonald, Pennsylvania. He played college football at the University of Pittsburgh from 1961 to 1964. He was selected in the fourth round of the 1965 NFL draft by the Baltimore Colts and in the seventh round of the 1965 AFL draft by the Buffalo Bills, signing with the Bills. He spent four seasons with Buffalo, including as a backup on the Bills' 1965 AFL Championship squad, and earned an AFL All-Star selection. He later played for the Boston Patriots and was traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers and then the Baltimore Colts in 1971. He retired in 1971, worked in real estate, and returned in 1974 as a player-coach for the Portland Storm of the World Football League, but injured his shoulder and stayed as linebackers coach. His NFL coaching career began in 1975 with the New York Giants as linebackers coach, becoming defensive coordinator in 1977. He was linebackers coach for the Detroit Lions in 1978–1979. He became defensive coordinator for the Cleveland Browns in 1980 and head coach in 1984, leading them to multiple playoff appearances but no Super Bowl. He later coached the Kansas City Chiefs, Washington Redskins, and San Diego Chargers, winning NFL Coach of the Year with the Chargers in 2004. He won a 2011 championship with the Virginia Destroyers of the UFL. He was inducted into the Kansas City Chiefs Hall of Honor in 2010.
In Their Own Story
The air inside Jack Murphy Stadium was thick with humidity and anticipation as the fourth quarter ticked down. Marty stood on the sideline, his headset pressed tight against his ear, eyes scanning the formation of the opposing defense. He didn't need to shout; his men knew exactly what to do. With a calm nod toward LaDainian Tomlinson, he signaled the play that would seal another hard-fought victory for San Diego, proving once again that under his command, the Chargers were built to grind out wins when it mattered most.
Reader's Guide
Schottenheimer is eighth in career wins at 205 and seventh in regular season wins at 200, with the most wins among NFL head coaches to not win an NFL championship. In 21 seasons, he reached the playoffs 13 times and had only two losing records. He won five of 18 postseason games and never made a Super Bowl. His regular season winning percentage was .613, playoff winning percentage .278. He, Dan Reeves, and Bill Belichick are the only eligible NFL coaches with at least 200 regular season wins not inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Did You Know?
- Marty Schottenheimer's son, Brian Schottenheimer, also served as an offensive coordinator for the Chargers later in his career.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Marty Schottenheimer during his time with the Chargers?
He served as the head coach for the San Diego Chargers from 1995 through 2006. His twelve-year tenure is remembered for restoring stability and discipline to the organization.
What was Marty Schottenheimer's coaching philosophy?
He implemented a defensive-minded approach that prioritized consistency and a relentless work ethic. This style helped stabilize a struggling roster following the departure of previous leadership.
How successful were the Chargers under Marty Schottenheimer?
The franchise qualified for the postseason seven times during his twelve seasons on the sidelines. Additionally, he guided the team to three AFC Divisional titles throughout this era.
Why is the Schottenheimer era considered important?
This period bridged the gap between the franchise's early glory and its later modern resurgence. He successfully re-established the team identity when they needed to find their footing again.
How did Marty Schottenheimer's tenure end?
His time as head coach concluded after the 2006 season when the organization decided not to renew his contract. Despite this, he earned lasting respect from players and fans for his steady hand.
More in Club History & Eras
Elsewhere in the Los Angeles Chargers universe
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