This season, he takes the field with a crushed heart and an inspiring force. As he begins this new chapter in his coaching career, he will have his father, Marty Schottenheimer, outside of his heart. Marty, who died in 2021 after a long struggle with Alzheimer’s disease, will never be far from the front of his mind. Now, this moment couldn’t be more important. For the first time in 6,808 days, a Schottenheimer will be the head man for an NFL team.
Marty Schottenheimer, a legendary figure in the league. Over a 21-year span as head coach, he amassed a staggering 200 regular season victories, ranking him 8th on the all-time list. He began his coaching career in 1984 for the Cleveland Browns. As a head coach, he would go on to lead the San Diego Chargers to great success, guiding them to the NFL’s top record at 14-2 in 2006. Tragically, his life was cut short at the age of 77, and his legacy continues to influence many in the sport.
Brian’s path to this momentous occasion began in earnest on the morning of January 14th, 2007. He happened to be at Qualcomm Stadium for what would become Marty Schottenheimer’s last game as a head coach. Brian silently carries the emotional weight of that day as he gets ready to walk in his father’s well-worn footsteps. The importance of this moment seems to hit him right in the gut.
In 2006, Brian became the New York Jets offensive coordinator. His season came to a close with a heartbreaking playoff loss to the New England Patriots. At only 33 years of age, he was considered to be one of the NBA’s next wave of great coaching candidates. Since then, he’s chased opportunities all across the country. He’s interviewed for head coaching positions with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2012 and the Miami Dolphins in 2007. In fact, in 2010 he went so far as to decline an interview with the Buffalo Bills. This decision illustrated his deep determination to get the right person in that slot.
Now as Brian takes on this new role with the Cowboys’ family, he’s willing to make his father’s legacy endured. He’ll accomplish this not just through his coaching philosophies but through a strong brotherhood he’ll foster among his players. Above all, he reminds us that real commitment comes from an authentic place where we love and respect each other. It’s not even about seeking glory or monetary rewards.
“You guys ask me all the time about the connection piece and stuff like that, these things that these young men try to do around the league, not just here, it’s different.” – Brian Schottenheimer
Brian is passionate about the importance of building deep relationships in the team to create an effective, creative environment. And everyday he is thankful for all of the values Marty has passed on to him and everyone else. Now, he just hopes he can make Marty proud with his accomplishments on the field.
“I’ve always wanted to make him proud,” – Brian Schottenheimer
Dak Prescott, the Cowboys’ quarterback, acknowledges the impact Marty had on Brian’s coaching philosophy. He pictured Brian as a “hard-nosed ball coach that didn’t take any s
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