DawgTalkers.net Forums DawgTalk Pure Football Forum Schottenheimer Fired....

Year TM | W L T | W L |
+----------+--------------+----------+
| 1984 cle | 4 4 0 | 0 0 |
| 1985 cle | 8 8 0 | 0 1 |
| 1986 cle | 12 4 0 | 1 1 |
| 1987 cle | 10 5 0 | 1 1 |
| 1988 cle | 10 6 0 | 0 1 |
| 1989 kan | 8 7 1 | 0 0 |
| 1990 kan | 11 5 0 | 0 1 |
| 1991 kan | 10 6 0 | 1 1 |
| 1992 kan | 10 6 0 | 0 1 |
| 1993 kan | 11 5 0 | 2 1 |
| 1994 kan | 9 7 0 | 0 1 |
| 1995 kan | 13 3 0 | 0 1 |
| 1996 kan | 9 7 0 | 0 0 |
| 1997 kan | 13 3 0 | 0 1 |
| 1998 kan | 7 9 0 | 0 0 |
| 2001 was | 8 8 0 | 0 0 |
| 2002 sdg | 8 8 0 | 0 0 |
| 2003 sdg | 4 12 0 | 0 0 |
| 2004 sdg | 12 4 0 | 0 1 |
| 2005 sdg | 9 7 0 | 0 0 |
| 2006 sdg | 14 2 0 | 0 1 |
+----------+--------------+----------+
| TOTALS | 200 126 1 | 5 13 |


Talk about though love.

Teams Records before he was fired.

10-6
7-9
8-8
14-2

Without looking at any of the other posts in this thread, I'm going to come out and say it was all about Schot vs A.J. Smith, GM. I forget right now when they started feuding but you can bet Smith got to Spanos family and the decision was made. Of course, Schott's track record in the playoffs didn't help his cause. JMHO

I'm not surprised one bit this has happened and I would loved to have him in our FO along with Floyd Reese, former GM of the Titans and maybe even Bill Cowher. Wouldn't that be something.

Team president Dean Spanos cites 'dysfunctional situation' with general manager A.J. Smith

By Jim Trotter
UNION-TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER

6:40 p.m. February 12, 2007


K.C. ALFRED / Union-Tribune
Marty Schottenheimer had to mull yet another postseason failure the day after the playoff loss to New England last month.
The Chargers on Monday night fired coach Marty Schottenheimer, one month after saying he would return in 2007 for the final year of his contract.

Schottenheimer, who was 35-13 the past three seasons but 0-2 in the playoffs, confirmed his dismissal.

“I'm doing fine,” Schottenheimer said. “This business is too hard – it's hard to be successful if you don't have everybody on the same page.”


In a statement released by the club, team president Dean Spanos pointed to the relationship between Schottenheimer and General Manager A.J. Smith as the reason for the move.

“In the plainest possible language, we have a dysfunctional situation here,” Spanos said. “Today I am resolving that situation once and for all. ...

“When I decided to move ahead with Marty Schottenheimer in mid-January, I did so with the expectation that the core of his fine coaching staff would remain intact. Unfortunately, that did not prove to be the case, and the process of dealing with these coaching changes convinced me that we simply could not move forward with such dysfunction between our head coach and general manager.

“In short, this entire process over the last month convinced me beyond any doubt that I had to act to change this untenable situation and create an environment where everyone at Charger Park would be pulling in the same direction and working at a championship level.”

Schottenheimer, spent four seasons with the Chargers and in 2004 took them to their first winning season since 1995. Schottenheimer, 63, who completed his 30th season as a head coach, has 200 career regular season victories, the fifth highest total in NFL history.

However, Schottenheimer has never gotten a team to the Super Bowl, and his postseason record is 5-13, including 0-2 with the Chargers.

“I think it's hard enough in our business when everybody is on the same page, let alone when you have a breach (between the coach and general manager),” Schottenheimer said. “Dean made a decision and I respect his decision. This is not a birthright, but clearly in my opinion it was a very very difficult circumstance to be in.

“Clearly the situation – and I've talked about it on any number of occasions – is not an environment where you can consistently be successful.”

Link

depending on our schedule i expect romeo gone by mid season. Marty would be the talk of the town.

Statement from Chargers president Dean Spanos

SIGNONSANDIEGO

6:17 p.m. February 12, 2007

"Today I made an extremely difficult decision: Marty Schottenheimer is no longer the head coach of the San Diego Chargers.

"This decision was so hard because Marty has been both a friend and valued coach of our team. But my first obligation is always to do what is in the best interest of our fans and the entire Charger organization. I must take whatever steps are necessary to deliver a Super Bowl trophy to San Diego. Events of the last month have now convinced me that it is not possible for our organization to function at a championship level under the current structure. On the contrary, and in the plainest possible language, we have a dysfunctional situation here. Today I am resolving that situation once and for all.

"My decision means that our organization will be obligated to pay the last year of Marty Schottenheimer's contract and will begin an intense search for a new head coach at this relatively late date, but these are sacrifices that I believe are necessary to give the Chargers the best possible chance to win on the field this season.

"Our fans deserve to know what changed for me over the last month. When I decided to move ahead with Marty Schottenheimer in mid-January, I did so with the expectation that the core of his fine coaching staff would remain intact. Unfortunately, that did not prove to be the case, and the process of dealing with these coaching changes convinced me that we simply could not move forward with such dysfunction between our head coach and general manager. In short, this entire process over the last month convinced me beyond any doubt that I had to act to change this untenable situation and create an environment where everyone at Charger Park would be pulling in the same direction and working at a championship level. I expect exactly that from our entire Charger organization in 2007."

Source

He's what, 61 or 62? Probably done as a head coach, the window's pretty narrow for building a team in your image as a HC, unless he's a rare coach who works til his late 60s.
And yeah it is weird timing, poor for both sides. Moreso for Marty.

Quote:

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He's what, 61 or 62? Probably done as a head coach, the window's pretty narrow for building a team in your image as a HC, unless he's a rare coach who works til his late 60s.

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Aka, Marv Levy, HC, Buffalo Bills. A very special man and organization.

J/C...Don't be surprised if Marty takes a year off and is offered another shot at being the HC. He's been successful in the regular season and you have to make the playoffs to get to the S.B. and he's been pretty consistant at that.

I would not worry too much about the Chargers either, I mean really they still have the same talented players on their team. So I'm sure whoever gets the job will do ok. I'm thinking Rivera myself, or maybe Singletary?

Schottenheimer fired...........that is just a shocker!

Marty will be back!

He has always been a very good coach!

I have a feeling the Chargers next coach will be Ron Rivera. As a matter of fact, I am confident that Marty's replacement was picked out prior to his firing. There is no way they fire him unless they had somebody in place who they felt was better.

Any qualified coach has to be absolutely SALIVATING at taking the Chargers job... Let's see, they have arguably the best defensive player in the NFL in Merriman, arguably the best offensive player in the NFL in LT, they have a stud young QB, a great OL, very solid talent all over the defense, a pro bowl kicker... you get to live and play in San Diego.... For God's sake man, who would turn down that job?

just clicking....

I think everyone is jumping the gun on throwing Romeo out the door and ushering in Marty....But I will say this...I would love to have Marty a part of this organization.....in the Front Office....Marty has been teetering on whether or not he will HC the next year for sometime now....He will get offers to coach..both Pro and College. But being the HC takes a huge toll on a person....his talent has never really been on gameday...it has always been the preparation, the building, the personell, the attitude of professionalism....

Now Marty is available....And the Browns have a vacant Presidents position....I think Marty would help us more in that capacity than being down on the sidelines making the calls. And serving in this capacity would keep him close to the game. Keep him close to the personell and the family atmosphere that develops on teams.

To me I think it would be a perfect fit and a new challenge that I think he could appreciate, and a challenge that is more conducive to his strengths...Heck in the very least....sign him on as a consultant...lol

Personally, I wouldn't doubt that they waited this long to make sure Marty didn't get a job this year and make them look even dumber than they now look.

Is Modell in San Diego ?.....

That or they really dislike the guy and wanted to stick a fork in him on the way out the door.

...I'm thinking that the Chargers will hire Archie Manning as their next head coach.

Mike Martz will be thier next head coach..


But than again Nick Saben has been at alabama pretty long now for him...

Quote:

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It could be a good year for Crennell to lay a stink like last year....

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So you'd rather the Browns have a bad year just to get rid of Crennell and bring in someone else than have the Browns turn it around and begin to win under Crennell? Do you root for the Browns or just head coaches? If the Browns can win under Crennell I'd be pleased as punch. That's what I'm hoping for.

Quote:

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Guess they figured they lost their OC and DC... might as well just start over...

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Marty probably wanted to bring his brother Kurt over from Green Bay for the DC job.

Then again look for the rumors to start about Pete Carroll, USC head coach joining the Chargers after he's finished with his lastest or last recruiting class.

Agreed, The draft isn't even here yet and already people are hoping we lose next year

The Chargers will have an interesting time filling the spots.

I would love to see Singletary end up as the HC. I am guessing it is more likely we will see someone like Norv Turner or Denny Green get hired due to 'experience'.

They really had no faith in Schotts play calling abilities on O or D...with Cameron, Phillips and Chud gone (Chud's name was mentioned over n over as a well Cameron is gone but Chud can carry on) But they also lost their 2nd in command on Defense (Don't know his name but went to SF as DC) as well as Offense (Chud). Thats two deep on O n D.

Plus two major rock-em Sock-em blows since with Smith.
1. Concerning Edwards...Marty wants him...Smith is willing to let him walk.
2. Marty wants to bring in his brother to do the O.

Spanos had to choose between Smith or Marty.

As for HC...I know Turner will get mentioned a lot. But that would be under the been there done that...I don't think SD goes that route.

Look for Martz to come back. His home is in SD.
What an offense to tempt him to come to!

Look for Singletary to come in as D coordinator. He was passed up at SF but has been learning 3-4 for a while and that fits with SDs current D.

Anyway - my predictions go that route.

They are a talented team. It shouldn't take someone too hard to want to coach there.

JMHO - and if Martz goes there...he's the one pushing for Thomas #2 for Lions Millen wants Quinn.

But I will say this...I would love to have Marty a part of this organization.....in the Front Office....
U and I usually don't agree but I'm with you on that one..perhaps HE NEEDS to be up in the booth deciding when Rac throws the flags

First wave of candiates to be interviewed....Chud not on the list (if that was a true concern).

CHARGERS TO INTERVIEW RIVERA, RYAN, GIBBS

lincoln

Jay Glazer of FOXSports.com reports that the Chargers have received permission to interview Bears defensive coordinator Ron Rivera, Ravens defensive coordinator Rex Ryan, and Saints defensive coordinator Gary Gibbs for the position abruptly vacated on Monday when the Chargers fired coach Marty Schottenheimer.

Rivera will interview for the job within the next 48 hours. He was a finalist for the Steelers job. Word on the street, however, is that he has not been interviewing well.

Also, Glazer reports, citing team sources, that USC coach Pete Carroll is not regarded as viable option "at this point."

We're intrigued by the whole "at this point" thing. If, as we vaguely suspect, a wink-nod deal already has been done with Carroll, and if the team's objective is to keep it all under wraps while a seemingly legitimate interview process unfolds, wouldn't it make sense for the Chargers to put out the word that Carroll isn't in the running until several other candidates have been "interviewed"?

We apologize for being so skeptical. But, the last time we checked, this business was full of people who are full of it. (And we all know what "it" is . . . don't we, Nick?)

This shocked the crap outta me.

I was thinking at work all day how this would be an ideal job for Jimmy Johnson to come out of retirement for a couple years. He could bring his boat(s) and be made in the shade.

Marty is my favorite Brown's coach. Sorry, I wasn't around for PB.

Marthy is a man's man and a great leader. He is a supreme leader and his teams always improved. They got worse after he left.

Marty is a classy guy. He siad the Chargers made the diecison in the best interest of the organization. He did not bad-mouth anyone.

I look for him to return as HC next year. The passion still burns w/in him.

I was rooting for SD this year. I knew the Browns weren't going anywhere, except towards the top of the draft. Now, I hope they fall flat on their face, although I do realize they have a ton of talent.

Good luck Marty. You are the man!

Chargers GM finally got his wish
Jay Glazer / FOXSports.com
Posted: 11 minutes ago

Chargers GM A.J. Smith has long wanted head coach Marty Schottenheimer out of the same building he works in — and he finally got his wish.

Ownership announced Monday that they have parted ways with the veteran head coach and cited the fact that that the front office and coach were not on the same page in replacing all the assistants they've lost. The only thing that should come as a shock here in the timing.



Why now? Several Chargers sources told FOXSports.com that this past weekend Smith and owner Dean Spanos were among a group that flew to Hawaii together to celebrate with their star players the inclusion of so many Chargers in this year's Pro Bowl game. During the GM's time away with his boss he was able to take aim. Schottenheimer went his own way for a little rest and relaxation.

FOXSports.com has also learned that a major point of discontent in this situation was that Marty was adamant in trying to hire his brother Kurt Schottenheimer — who is currently the the Packers' secondary coach — to be his new defensive coordinator, a move that was staunchly opposed by the front office.

The history here is straight from a mid-afternoon soap opera. For the last couple of years Smith and Schottenheimer talked exclusively through a third party, usually vice-president Ed McGuire this year and McGuire and former personnel man Fran Foley two years ago.

Last season Smith traded backup QB Cleo Lemon for A.J. Feeley but failed to mention the trade to his head coach. This, among other things, caused the owner to sit down and tell these two to pretty much play nicely, boys.

Last year after the team's final game Smith, ownership and other officials stood in the postgame locker room where the GM immediately went to work on pushing out the coach. One of Smith's arguments was that defensive coordinator Wade Phillips was a hot candidate for another head coaching gig, especially in Houston and if they didn't act, they'd lose him. Smith had the right state but was one year early in his prediction. He pushed Spanos to fire Schottenheimer for fear of losing Phillips to the Texans.

Spanos actually went as far as calling Texans brass to inquire if Phillips was in fact on their short list. When told he was not, Spanos asked Smith to cool his jets.

This preseason, Smith was adamant to several people that if they failed to advance to the AFC title game, Schottenheimer would be gone. For a month it seemed as if Smith failed in making good on this prediction.

It was no secret that Marty Schottenheimer had a frosty relationship with GM A.J. Smith. (Lisa Blumenfeld / Getty Images)

But now that Marty's staff has been decimated, ownership seemed pliable to Smith's feelings on the coach. It probably centered on the fact that Schottenheimer's success was based upon the strong coaches he had to support him. But now that Cam Cameron, Phillips and LB coach Greg Manusky are gone, Spanos doesn't have to worry that Schotteheimer's assistants would want out if the coach is gone — they are already out.

"In the plainest possible language, we have a dysfunctional situation here," Spanos said in a statement. "Today I am resolving that situation once and for all ...

"When I decided to move ahead with Marty Schottenheimer in mid-January, I did so with the expectation that the core of his fine coaching staff would remain intact. Unfortunately, that did not prove to be the case, and the process of dealing with these coaching changes convinced me that we simply could not move forward with such dysfunction between our head coach and general manager. In short, this entire process over the last month convinced me beyond any doubt that I had to act to change this untenable situation and create an environment where everyone at Charger Park would be pulling in the same direction and working at a championship level. I expect exactly that from our entire Charger organization in 2007."

So where do they turn now? Rumors have persisted that USC's Pete Carroll would love to remain in Southern Cali in an NFL capacity. Jim Mora, Norv Turner, Jim Fassel and Ron Rivera have all swung at jobs this off-season and missed. Whoever they chose is put into a great situation personnel-wise. Heck, all the new guy has to do is win a playoff game and Smith can gloat, "See, I told you so!"

Too bad, it sounds like a clash of egos is what it came down to.

Smith got his wish, now let's see what he can do with it. You're up, A.J.

Link

lincoln

Schottenheimer not to be pursued by Browns’ brass
Wednesday, February 14, 2007

By Steve Doerschuk
REPOSITORY SPORTS WRITER

BEREA Not that there wasn’t in-house discussion on Marty Schottenheimer, but the Browns won’t chase him.

Head Coach Romeo Crennel is on thin ice after a 4-12 year. However, the brass decided in January to let Crennel spend 2007 either ratifying his regime or serving as a bridge to the next coach.

Reliable league sources indicate this conclusion will stand, even though Schottenheimer plopped on the market Monday, when the Chargers fired him.

There were arguments for Cleveland pouncing on Schottenheimer, who had a career-best 14-2 season in 2006. He got the Browns to two AFC title games in the 1980s.

On offense, he’d have his recent associate, Rob Chudzinski, in place. Chudzinski jumped to the Browns as offensive coordinator on Jan. 20 after coaching receivers in San Diego the last two seasons.

On defense, Schottenheimer has a background with 3-4 defenses and could make sense of the scheme and players the Browns used in ‘06.

Schottenheimer’s 13 playoff seasons as a head coach — including four in a row with the late 1980s Browns — offset his manhole-sized Super Bowl asterisk. He was 46-31 with the Browns, 104-65-1 with the Chiefs, 8-8 with the Redskins and 45-36 with the Chargers. Those records include an postseason mark of 5-13, with no Super Bowl appearances.

No one has more experience at instilling discipline and laying a foundation. Schottenheimer doesn’t seem ready to retire and might find something poetic about returning to Cleveland.

The arguments on the other side win out.

Hiring Schottenheimer, especially this late in the job-market cycle, would be radical. It would be perceived by some as an intolerable slap in the face to Crennel. It would invite ridicule to a team striving to convey stability.

Schottenheimer is 63. He’d be a two- or three-year bridge to a younger coach. Crennel works better as the bridge because the span can be reduced to one year, if necessary.

Crennel has a sense for how to move forward from a foundation two years in his making. A new coach, even one who knows the ropes, might be doomed to a step backward, an unsavory prospect for a team with a four-year record of 19-45.

Finally, Crennel is still the guy who helped New England win a third Super Bowl just two years ago. Except, he now has two years of head coaching experience.

Bottom line: Crennel must prove to his Browns bosses that the team is on a playoff track, or he won’t be around for 2008. Schottenheimer won’t replace him in 2007.

Reach Repository sports writer Steve Doerschuk at (330) 580-8347 or e-mail: steve.doerschuk@cantonrep.com

I hated it when marty left Cleveland,,, damn Modell anyway,,, that guy could screw up a one car funeral......

But having him come back here is probably not in the cards..... this writer comments that Marty would only be a bridge to a younger HC and frankly, we already have that with RAC..

Wasn't there a fued between Marty and Model over Front of the House control?

I think he alienated himself from the Chargers organization.

We don't know why there was such a rift with Marty and AJ but it sounds like Marty wasn't playing nice in the sandbox.

This is and was his best opportunity to win a SB Championship. Now, he will never win one. After thinking about it, I don't know how much I feel sorry for him now. This went on for quite a while and they had an intermediary communicate for and to them. How childish!

just clicking...basically two things.

1. I miss spoke saying Marty wanted his brother to run the O it was the D.

2. I loved Marty when he coached us and was upset with the Power thing with Modell...he also got rid of Paul Brown almost for similar reasons.

But that was sooo long ago. I'd hate going back - but I'm not sure Marty would be best for us now. He does know how to build an excellent organization...Mini camps throughout the season. Really wish he could have won something in the Post season...that record is just as bad as the other good. It doesnt' make sense but still sticks out like a sore thumb.

JMHO