Marty Schottenheimer was more than just a football coach—he was a symbol of grit, consistency, and old-school football wisdom. Over two decades in the NFL, he built a reputation as one of the league’s most successful head coaches, with a winning percentage that ranks among the best in history. Yet, he’s often remembered as one of the greatest coaches never to win a Super Bowl. Among his storied tenure with teams like the Cleveland Browns, Kansas City Chiefs, and San Diego Chargers, there’s one chapter that often flies under the radar: his short-lived time as the Dallas Cowboys coach in 2000. Though it lasted only a single season, Schottenheimer’s tenure with the Cowboys reveals much about his coaching philosophy, the challenges of working with a high-profile owner, and the unpredictable nature of NFL careers.
The Rise of Marty Schottenheimer—From Player to Coaching Star
Born in 1943 in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, Schottenheimer’s football journey began on the field. He played college football at the University of Pittsburgh, where he was a standout linebacker, before a brief NFL career with the Baltimore Colts (1965–1968) and Boston Patriots (1969). But it was on the sidelines where he truly found his calling. Schottenheimer cut his teeth as an assistant coach with the New York Giants in the 1970s, then moved to the Detroit Lions, and later the Cleveland Browns as defensive coordinator. In 1984, he was promoted to head coach of the Browns—a role that would catapult him to national attention.
Under Schottenheimer, the Browns became a playoff mainstay. His signature style, dubbed “Martyball,” emphasized a physical running game, a stout defense, and minimizing turnovers. It was a formula that worked: the Browns won 60% of their games during his tenure, reaching the AFC Championship Game three times in four years (1986, 1987, 1989). Though they never made it to the Super Bowl, Schottenheimer’s teams were feared for their toughness and discipline. His ability to turn average rosters into contenders made him one of the most sought-after coaches in the league.
Dominance Across the League—Chiefs and Chargers Eras
After leaving the Browns in 1989, Schottenheimer took over the Kansas City Chiefs in 1990. Over nine seasons, he transformed the Chiefs into a perennial contender, leading them to seven playoff appearances and four division titles. His winning percentage with the Chiefs (.608) remains among the highest in team history. Schottenheimer’s teams were known for their hard-nosed defense and balanced offense, and he became a fan favorite in Kansas City for his no-nonsense approach.
In 1999, Schottenheimer moved to the San Diego Chargers, where he turned around a team that had gone 5-11 the previous year. He led the Chargers to an 8-8 record and nearly a playoff spot, proving once again his ability to revitalize struggling franchises. It was this success that caught the eye of Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, who was looking for a coach to breathe life into his team after a string of mediocre seasons.
Marty Schottenheimer as Dallas Cowboys Coach—A Season of Unmet Expectations
The 2000 season marked a new chapter for Schottenheimer as he took the reins of the Dallas Cowboys. Jones had high hopes for Schottenheimer, who was known for his track record of turning around underperforming teams. But from the start, there were signs of tension. Schottenheimer was used to having full control over personnel and game-day decisions, but Jones—famous for his hands-on approach and willingness to meddle in coaching matters—was unwilling to cede that authority.
The roster also presented significant challenges. Star running back Emmitt Smith was dealing with nagging injuries, quarterback Troy Aikman was in the final year of his career and struggling with consistency, and the defense lacked playmakers. Despite Schottenheimer’s best efforts to implement his “Martyball” system, the team struggled to find its footing. Key losses included a 41-14 drubbing by the division-rival Philadelphia Eagles (where the Cowboys’ defense gave up 300 yards rushing) and a heart-breaking 27-21 defeat to the Washington Redskins in the final minutes.
Off the field, the rift between Schottenheimer and Jones widened. Schottenheimer wanted to rebuild the roster with young, hungry talent, but Jones preferred to hold onto veteran players who had helped the Cowboys win Super Bowls in the 1990s. In the end, Jones fired Schottenheimer after just one season, citing “philosophical differences” as the primary reason for the split. The decision was controversial at the time, with many fans and analysts arguing that Schottenheimer deserved more time to turn the team around.
Beyond the Sideline—Marty Schottenheimer’s Enduring Legacy
Even though his time as Dallas Cowboys coach was brief, Schottenheimer’s legacy extends far beyond that single season. He finished his NFL head coaching career with a 200-126-1 record, a winning percentage of .613—good for 12th all-time among coaches with at least 100 wins. What made Schottenheimer special was his ability to get the most out of his players, regardless of their talent level. He was known for his strict discipline, attention to detail, and unwavering commitment to his system.
Many of his former assistants went on to become successful head coaches, including Tony Dungy (Super Bowl-winning coach of the Indianapolis Colts), Herm Edwards, and Bill Cowher (Super Bowl-winning coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers). Schottenheimer also left a lasting impact on the teams he coached: he was inducted into the Kansas City Chiefs Hall of Fame in 2009 and the Cleveland Browns Legends Program in 2016.
Tragically, Schottenheimer was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2014 and passed away in 2021 at the age of 77. But his legacy lives on through his son, Brian Schottenheimer, who currently serves as the offensive coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys—bringing the Schottenheimer name back to the team where Marty once coached.
Conclusion
Marty Schottenheimer’s career was a testament to the power of hard work and consistency. While his tenure as Dallas Cowboys coach may have been a disappointment, it’s just one small part of a larger story of success. He was a coach who loved the game, respected his players, and always gave his best. For fans of the NFL, Marty Schottenheimer will forever be remembered as a true football icon—one whose impact on the sport continues to be felt today, even in the halls of the Dallas Cowboys. His legacy is not defined by the Super Bowls he never won, but by the lives he touched and the teams he transformed. Marty Schottenheimer was, and always will be, a coach’s coach.