Schottenheimer was a UFL Champion

by UFL Staff

Former Kansas City Chiefs Head Coach Marty Schottenheimer

ATLANTA, GA-- As one of the winningest coaches in professional football history, Mary Schottenheimer coached and played the game his way. Schottenheimer would play six seasons of pro football in the National Football League (NFL) with four different teams and after hanging up his cleats he would pick a clipboard to become a legendary head coach for four different NFL teams and one championship United Football League (UFL) team.

Known for being gritty as a player his style of coaching was unique, combining a strong running game with a strong defense. His mantra "One play at a time" was a key factor in his success. His success in the NFL was notable due to his ability to coach teams with a "martyball" approach. A tough old-school style of playing the game with limited mistakes.

During his time with the San Diego Chargers, his teams won three AFC West titles and made five playoff appearances and as head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs, he would make an additional six playoff appearances.

Schottenheimer would begin his NFL coaching career in 1975 as a linebackers coach with the New York Giants. The 'Giants' promoted him to defensive coordinator leading to his first head coach opportunity with the Cleveland Browns in 1984. While following stints as head coach with the Chiefs, Commanders, and Chargers.

In 2011, Marty Schottenheimer became the head coach and general manager of the Virginia Destroyers in the UFL. His team advanced to the UFL championship game and defeated the Las Vegas Locomotives 17-3 lifting the Destroyers to their first league championship.

Under the tutelage of Schottenheimer, many of the pro football's most well-known and respected coaches were able to sharpen their skills before their advancement in head coaches themselves. Such names as Tony Dungy, Bill Cowher, Bruce Ariens, Mike McCarthy, and Hue Jackson were all assistant coaches for Schottenheimer.

In February of 2021 Schottenheimer would pass away at the age of 77, but with over two hundred professional football games won and a 61% winning percentage in his career while also being a man with tremendous integrity he deserves a great amount of gratitude from all associated with the NFL and UFL for being of the game’s greatest ambassadors. Marty Schottenheimer is a football legend and deserves to be in the pro football hall of fame.

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