Former New York Giants linebackers coach and defensive coordinator, Marty Schottenheimer, passed away on Tuesday after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. He was 77.
Schottenheimer, who was surrounded by his family at the time of his passing, had been moved into hospice care early last week. He was diagnosed with the disease in 2014.
Schottenheimer’s professional coaching career initially began in 1974 as the linebackers coach for the Portland Storm of the World Football League. A year later, he was hired by the Giants as their linebackers coach and would eventually be promoted to defensive coordinator for one season in 1977.
After his time with the Giants, Schottenheimer became the linebackers coach for the Detroit Lions (1978-1979) and eventually moved onto the Cleveland Browns, where he served as the defensive coordinator until 1984 when he took over as head coach. Schottenheimer would remain at that post until 1988.
Following a “mutual split” in Cleveland, Schottenheimer coached the Kansas City Chiefs from 1989-1998, the Washington Redskins in 2001 and the San Diego Chargers from 2002-2006. In 2011, he served as general manager and head coach of the Virginia Destroyers (United Football League).
Schottenheimer also had a playing career that spanned from 1965-1970 and included stops with the Buffalo Bills and Boston Patriots.
Schottenheimer is survived by his wife, Pat, their children Kristen and Brian, and his grandchildren Brandon, Sutton, Savannah and Catherine.
