Ep 16. Marty Schottenheimer

Marty Schottenheimer, one of the most respected and successful coaches in the history of American football, is the subject of season 3 episode 16 of A Football Life. The episode tells the story of Schottenheimer's life and career, from his childhood in Cannonsburg, Pennsylvania, to his days as a linebacker for the University of Pittsburgh, to his coaching tenure with some of the most storied teams in NFL history.

As a player, Schottenheimer was known for his toughness and tenacity on defense. He played for the Buffalo Bills and Boston Patriots in the late 1960s and early 1970s, before embarking on a coaching career that would span more than three decades.

Schottenheimer's coaching career began in 1975, when he was hired as a linebackers coach for the Portland Storm of the World Football League. He went on to serve as an assistant coach for the New York Giants, the Detroit Lions, and the Cleveland Browns, before finally landing his first head coaching job with the Browns in 1984.

It was in Cleveland where Schottenheimer truly began to make his mark as a head coach. He led a Browns team featuring quarterback Bernie Kosar and running back Kevin Mack to the playoffs in each of his four seasons at the helm, and his teams were known for their hard-nosed defense and physicality.

After an unsuccessful stint as head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs in the early 1990s, Schottenheimer was hired by the Washington Redskins in 2001. He coached the team for just one season, but made a lasting impression with his trademark "Martyball" style of football, which emphasized a run-first offense and a stingy defense.

Schottenheimer's most successful tenure as a head coach came with the San Diego Chargers, where he coached from 2002 to 2006. In his first season with the team, he led them to a 12-4 record and a trip to the playoffs, where they fell just short of the Super Bowl. The following season, Schottenheimer and the Chargers went 4-12, but rebounded in 2004 to win the AFC West division title and earn a trip to the playoffs.

Schottenheimer's final coaching job came with the Virginia Destroyers of the United Football League, where he served as head coach and general manager from 2011 to 2012.

Throughout his career, Schottenheimer was known for his no-nonsense approach and his ability to motivate and inspire his players. He was beloved by many of his former players and colleagues, who praised his leadership and his unwavering commitment to the game of football.

A Football Life: Marty Schottenheimer is an in-depth look at the life and career of one of the most successful coaches in NFL history. Through interviews with Schottenheimer's former players, colleagues, and family members, the episode provides a rare glimpse into the man behind the legend, and sheds light on the qualities that made him such a beloved and respected figure in the world of football.