Marty Schottenheimer Dies - Dan week 16

 A couple of days ago, legendary NFL head coach Marty Schottenheimer died peacefully in his home with his family after a long battle with Alzheimer's at age 77. Schottenheimer was diagnosed with the dreadful disease almost ten years ago in 2011 but was able to keep it under control and experience little to no symptoms up until 2018 when it started to worsen. In his 21 (!!!) years coaching in the National Football League, Marty's greatness was cemented, as he had NINETEEN winning seasons and only two seasons where he lost more games than he won. Throughout his career, Marty amassed 205 career wins as a coach and became only the eleventh coach in league history to reach the 200-win milestone.

Even though his regular-season greatness is undeniable, Schottenheimer's teams consistently struggled in the playoffs, as he was never able to make a Super Bowl and holds a losing record in career playoff games. His coaching style and strategy are notorious in NFL history, as he was very old-school. He insisted on a strong, powerful running game and dominant defense, which gained him the title of the coach who "played not to lose," a title that not many coaches would like to hold. 

Despite all this, his lasting impact on the Cleveland Browns, Kansas City Chiefs, and San Diego Chargers was undeniable, as all of those teams became significantly worse after leaving them. He changed the culture of those teams and set the tone in the locker room, making it clear that he was a no-nonsense man. 

In the final weeks of his life, Marty spent some time in hospice care but eventually returned back to his home in his last days. Marty left this world peacefully, surrounded by his family and loved ones, and although no one would wish death on anyone else, dying how he did is the best way to go. Marty is survived by his wife and children, one of whom is Brian Schottenheimer, a well-respected offensive coordinator in today's NFL. As the game of football evolves, Marty's legacy is still felt to this day, and everyone who worked with and for him highly respects him.