He died of Alzheimer’s disease, according to ESPN.
Schottenheimer coached the Kansas City Chiefs for 10 seasons and finished with a record in the 101-58-1 regular season, the highest total in any 10-year period in franchise history. He was inducted into the Chiefs Hall of Fame in 2010.
“Our family and the entire Kingdom of Chiefs mourn the loss of Marty Schottenheimer, and our heartfelt prayers and condolences are with his wonderful wife Pat and the entire Schottenheimer family today,” President and CEO Clark Hunt said in a statement Tuesday.
“Marty will rightly be remembered as one of the greatest coaches in NFL history, but his legacy far exceeds his winning percentage. He was a passionate leader who took deep care of his players and coaches, and his influence His focus on the game can still be seen today in a number of coaching staff across the league. “
Hunt added: “Marty will always have a special place in the history of the bosses and he will miss all those who have been blessed to call him a friend.”
The NFL expressed 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 one season, finishing 8-8 and five seasons with the San Diego Chargers, where he set a record. of 47-33. .
He scored the most eight wins among coaches, setting a record in the 200-126-1 regular season and had 11 double-digit winning seasons. But he fought in the playoffs, finishing with a 5-13 record.
A statement from the Cleveland Browns said: “As head coach, he led the organization to four playoff games and three divisional titles, but it was his tough, tough, never giving up the fighting attitude that the team embodied by her, who loved him. Browns fans often led to thrilling victories. His impact on the game of football was not only felt in Northeast Ohio, but throughout the NFL. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Pat, and his entire family.
Schottenheimer is survived by his 54-year-old wife, Pat, his children Kristen and Brian and four grandchildren.