According to ESPN, he died of Alzheimer’s disease.
Schottenheimer coached the Kansas City Chiefs for ten seasons and finished with a record of 101-58-1 in the regular season, the highest total during any ten-year team in the history of the franchise. He was inducted into the Chiefs Hall of Fame in 2010.
“Our family and the entire Chiefs Kingdom mourn the loss of Marty Schottenheimer, and our prayers and condolences go out to his wonderful wife Pat and the entire Schottenheimer family today,” Clark Hunt, Chairman and CEO of Chiefs, said Tuesday said a statement.
“Marty will rightly be remembered as one of the greatest coaches in NFL history, but his legacy extends far beyond his winning percentage. He was a passionate leader who cared deeply for his players and coaches, and his influence on the “game can still be seen today on a number of coaching staffs across the league.”
Hunt added: “Marty will always occupy a special place in the history of the Chiefs, and he will be greatly missed by all of us who were blessed to call him a friend.”
The NFL expresses its condolences on Twitter: “We mourn the loss of the legendary Marty Schottenheimer.”
Schottenheimer coached three other teams: the Cleveland Browns for five seasons where he finished with a 44-27 record, the Washington franchise for a season, finished 8-8, and five seasons with the San Diego Chargers where he earned a record of 47-33. .
He has the eighth most wins among coaches, setting a 200-126-1 record and scoring 11 double-digit seasons. But he struggled in the playoffs and finished with a 5-13 record.
A statement from the Cleveland Browns said: “As head coach, he led the organization to four playoffs and three divisions, but it was his tough, hard-nosed, never giving up team fighting spirit that loved him. often led to exciting victories. His impact on the football game was felt not only in Northeast Ohio, but also throughout the NFL. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Pat, and his entire family. “
Schottenheimer is survived by his wife of 54 years, Pat, his children Kristen and Brian, and four grandchildren.