Marty Schottenheimer, a former long-time NFL head coach, was moved to a hospice facility near his home in Charlotte, N.C., on Saturday because of complications from Alzheimers disease, his family said in a statement Wednesday given to ESPN.
The 77-year-old Schottenheimer, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2014, is listed in stable condition, according to the website.
“As a family we are surrounding him with love,” Schotteheimer’s wife, Pat, said in a statement, also speaking on behalf of the couple’s children, Kristin and Brian, “and are soaking up the prayers and support from all those he impacted through his incredible life. In the way he taught us all, we are putting one foot in front of the other … one play at a time.”
Schottenheimer — an NFL coach for 21 seasons was never able to win a Super Bowl — but he compiled an impressive 205-139-1 record, including the playoffs, which is the eight-most wins by a coach all-time.
Schottenheimer, who coached the Browns, Chiefs, Washington and the Chargers, led his teams to many successful regular seasons, but he was just 5-13 record in the playoffs. He did lead three teams to the AFC Championship, but never was able to get any of those squad into the Super Bowl.
Schottenheimer — who was the NFL’s Coach of the Year in 2004 when he lead the Chargers to a 12-4 mark — ended his coaching career in 2006. It was a painful closing note as he led San Diego to a 14-2 mark and the best record in the NFL only to have his team fall to the New England Patriots in the Divisional Round.
Schottenheimer also played six seasons in the NFL from 1965-1970 as a linebacker for the Bills and Patriots.
His son Brian is now following his father’s footsteps in the NFL coaching ranks, recently reaching a deal to become the Jaguars’ passing game coordinator, according to ESPN.
