The phrase “like father, like son” takes on a whole new meaning when it comes to head coaches in the NFL. In a league where coaching trees and legacies loom large, it’s not uncommon for the apple to fall not far from the proverbial coaching tree. The latest example? Brian Schottenheimer being named the new head coach of the Dallas Cowboys, following in the footsteps of his father, longtime NFL head coach Marty Schottenheimer.
Schottenheimer Joins Select Father-Son Coach Club
Brian Schottenheimer’s promotion makes him and Marty the ninth father-son head coaching duo in NFL history. It’s an exclusive club, but one with some very recognizable names:
- Don and Dave Shula: Don won two Super Bowls with the Miami Dolphins, including the legendary perfect season. Dave later coached the Bengals.
- Bum and Wade Phillips: Both had long coaching careers, with Bum leading the Oilers and Saints while Wade helmed the Cowboys and Broncos, among others.
- Jim and Jim Mora Jr.: Jim Sr. coached the Saints and Colts while Jim Jr. had stints with the Falcons and Seahawks.
The Schottenheimer Legacy
For Brian Schottenheimer, stepping into the head coach role with the Cowboys is the culmination of a journey that began when he first started coaching under his father Marty in Washington back in 2001. Marty Schottenheimer was one of the winningest coaches in NFL history, compiling a 200-126-1 record across 21 seasons with the Browns, Chiefs, Washington, and Chargers.
I’ve been blessed to be around this game my entire life and to learn from one of the best in my father. I’m ready for this challenge and to make my own mark.
– Brian Schottenheimer
Brian has spent over two decades climbing the coaching ranks, most recently serving as offensive coordinator for the Cowboys under Mike McCarthy. Now he’ll have the chance to lead the storied franchise himself and attempt to get them back to Super Bowl glory, something that eluded his father in his own illustrious career.
The Shanahan Reign
Perhaps no father-son duo has been as successful in the modern NFL as the Shanahans. Mike Shanahan won two Super Bowls as head coach of the Denver Broncos in the late 90s with John Elway under center. Years later, his son Kyle Shanahan nearly won one himself with the Falcons against the Patriots, coming up just short. As head coach of the 49ers, Kyle has overseen one of the most consistent teams in the league, taking them to two NFC Championships and one Super Bowl in just six seasons.
Conclusion
Only time will tell if Brian Schottenheimer can live up to his father’s legacy and deliver the Cowboys their first championship since the Troy Aikman era. But he’s just the latest example of coaching being the ultimate family business in the NFL. With the Shanahans still going strong and the Belichick coaching tree spreading its branches, we may not have seen the last father passing the headset to son on an NFL sideline.
The Shanahan Reign
Perhaps no father-son duo has been as successful in the modern NFL as the Shanahans. Mike Shanahan won two Super Bowls as head coach of the Denver Broncos in the late 90s with John Elway under center. Years later, his son Kyle Shanahan nearly won one himself with the Falcons against the Patriots, coming up just short. As head coach of the 49ers, Kyle has overseen one of the most consistent teams in the league, taking them to two NFC Championships and one Super Bowl in just six seasons.
Conclusion
Only time will tell if Brian Schottenheimer can live up to his father’s legacy and deliver the Cowboys their first championship since the Troy Aikman era. But he’s just the latest example of coaching being the ultimate family business in the NFL. With the Shanahans still going strong and the Belichick coaching tree spreading its branches, we may not have seen the last father passing the headset to son on an NFL sideline.
