Brian Schottenheimer: A Coach with Football in His Blood
Brian Schottenheimer was born into a football family, and his passion for the game runs deep. His father, Marty Schottenheimer, was a highly successful head coach in the NFL, and his uncle, Kurt Schottenheimer, also had a long coaching career in professional football. Growing up around the game, Brian absorbed his father’s and uncle’s knowledge, work ethic, and love for football, all of which would shape his own coaching career in the years to come.
Early Life and Education
Brian Schottenheimer was born on October 16, 1973, in Denver, Colorado. He grew up moving around the country as his father’s coaching career took the family to various cities. Brian attended Blue Valley High School in Stilwell, Kansas, where he played football and began to develop his passion for the game. Following in his father’s footsteps, Brian continued his education at the University of Florida, where he played quarterback for the Gators.
Coaching Career
After graduating from college, Brian Schottenheimer decided to pursue a career in coaching, following in the footsteps of his father and uncle. He started his coaching journey as a graduate assistant at his alma mater, the University of Florida, where he gained valuable experience working with the team’s quarterbacks. From there, Schottenheimer moved on to coaching positions at various colleges, including Syracuse University and the University of Southern California.
In 2001, Brian Schottenheimer made the leap to the NFL when he joined the Washington Redskins as the team’s quarterbacks coach. He quickly made a name for himself in the league, earning praise for his coaching style, attention to detail, and ability to develop young quarterbacks. In 2006, Schottenheimer was hired as the offensive coordinator for the New York Jets, a position he held for six seasons.
During his time with the Jets, Schottenheimer’s offensive schemes were commended for their creativity and effectiveness. He was known for his aggressive play-calling and willingness to take risks, elements that helped the Jets reach the AFC Championship Game in the 2009 and 2010 seasons. Despite facing criticism at times for his conservative approach in key moments, Schottenheimer’s impact on the Jets’ offense was undeniable.
In 2012, Brian Schottenheimer accepted the position of offensive coordinator for the St. Louis Rams. He faced the challenge of revitalizing an offense that had struggled in previous seasons, and he quickly made an impact with his innovative approach. Under Schottenheimer’s direction, the Rams’ offense showed improvement, with quarterback Sam Bradford enjoying some of the best performances of his career.
Schottenheimer’s next stop was with the Georgia Bulldogs, where he served as the team’s offensive coordinator from 2015 to 2018. During his time at Georgia, Schottenheimer continued to showcase his offensive expertise, helping the team achieve success on the field and develop talented players for the NFL.
In 2019, Brian Schottenheimer joined the Seattle Seahawks as the team’s offensive coordinator. Working alongside head coach Pete Carroll and quarterback Russell Wilson, Schottenheimer made an immediate impact on the Seahawks’ offense. His play-calling and strategic approach helped the team achieve success, reaching the playoffs in multiple seasons and establishing themselves as a strong offensive force in the league.
Coaching Style and Philosophy
Brian Schottenheimer is known for his aggressive and innovative coaching style, which emphasizes creativity, strategic thinking, and player development. He has a reputation for pushing his players to reach their full potential and for designing offensive schemes that capitalize on their strengths.
Schottenheimer’s coaching philosophy centers around building strong relationships with his players, earning their trust, and fostering a winning mentality within the team. He emphasizes the importance of hard work, discipline, and attention to detail, values instilled in him by his father and uncle early in his career.
One of Schottenheimer’s key strengths as a coach is his ability to adapt to different situations and maximize the talent of his players. Whether working with a seasoned veteran or a young prospect, he tailors his coaching approach to fit the individual needs of each player, helping them reach their full potential on the field.
Legacy and Impact
Brian Schottenheimer’s coaching career has been marked by success, innovation, and a dedication to the game of football. He has built a reputation as a skilled offensive coordinator with a keen eye for talent and a commitment to developing players at every level.
Throughout his career, Schottenheimer has left a lasting impact on the teams and players he has worked with, helping them achieve success on the field and grow as athletes and individuals. His contributions to the game of football continue to be felt in the NFL and beyond, as his influence on players and coaches alike is evident in their approach to the game.
As Brian Schottenheimer continues his coaching journey with the Seattle Seahawks, his passion for football and commitment to excellence remain