Longtime NFL coach Marty Schottenheimer has passed away. © Robert Hanashiro via Imagn Content Services, LLC

Former NFL coach Marty Schottenheimer dies at age 77

By Blake Harper | Last updated 2/9/21

Former NFL head coach Marty Schottenheimer died on Monday at the age of 77. Schottenheimer's family released a statement announcing his death, noting that he "peacefully passed away with family at his side."

"We know he is looking down on us from Heaven and smiling," said Kristen, his daughter. "We are so incredibly proud of the man he was and how he lived his life."

Schottenheimer was diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease in 2014 and late last month, he was moved to a hospice care facility in North Carolina after his health took a turn for the worst.

RIP to Marty Schottenheimer and prayers to his family. Schottenheimer died Monday at age 77; he was a longtime resident of Charlotte and a legendary NFL coach. From his family: pic.twitter.com/VZqtKjmNnT
— Scott Fowler (@scott_fowler) February 9, 2021

While he is mostly known for his coaching career, Schottenheimer's NFL journey began as a player. He was a linebacker for the Buffalo Bills and Boston Patriots for a few years, but coaching is where he found his calling. Schottenheimer spent almost a decade as a linebackers coach and defensive coordinator for the Giants and Browns before Cleveland gave him his first head-coaching job in 1984.

In his five seasons in Cleveland, the Browns reached the playoffs four times, including two trips to the AFC Championship Game. Schottenheimer was named head coach of the Chiefs in 1989 and spent a decade in Kansas City. His last NFL coaching stint was with the San Diego Chargers, as he helped the dismal franchise turn its fortunes around over five seasons. And finally, he was the head coach and general manager for the Virginia Destroyers for a single season, winning a UFL championship with the team.

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