For Schottenheimer, this promotion is about more than just football. It’s a family legacy.
DALLAS — Newly appointed Dallas Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer says his promotion is about more than just football. For him, it’s a family legacy.
Speaking at a press conference, Schottenheimer became emotional as he reflected on his late father, Marty Schottenheimer, a legendary NFL coach.
“My father was a legendary coach, and an incredible father,” Schottenheimer said, pausing to hold back tears. “He inspired me more than anyone in this profession. I know he’s looking down at me, and I know he’s proud.”
Marty Schottenheimer, who passed away in 2021, was a prominent figure in the NFL and a significant influence on his son’s career. While Brian Schottenheimer embarks on this new chapter, his focus remains rooted in the values his father instilled in him.
A family affair
Schottenheimer’s mother, Pat Schottenheimer, shared how her son’s football journey started at a young age, shaped by Marty’s coaching career.
“When Marty was coaching, they had old projectors with tape of plays on them, and my kids would sit in Marty’s office at home, running the projector and looking at plays,” she said. “Brian was like seven, eight, nine years old. He’s built for this.”
Pat Schottenheimer also revealed a promise Brian made after his father’s passing.
“Brian told me he was going to win a Super Bowl for his dad — that he never got one. So he said he’d get one for us, and that would be for him.”
The family’s belief in Schottenheimer’s future with the Cowboys has been unwavering. His wife, Gemmi Schottenheimer, described the emotional moment she found out her husband had landed the head coach position.
“Actually, Jerry [Jones] and Stephen [Jones] called to tell me,” she said. “I didn’t even hear it from Brian first! It was really special and humbling.”
Gemmi Schottenheimer also noted the small signs that made the day feel destined.
“We’ve always believed in cardinals,” she said. “Friday morning, my sister-in-law saw two red cardinals and sent out a family text saying, ‘Okay, it’s going to happen today.’ And it did.”
Sticky notes of inspiration
For Schottenheimer, personal motivation often comes in the form of sticky notes. Throughout the interview process, he wrote inspirational messages to himself.
“And during this interview process, he had a Christmas candle with a yellow sticky note on it,” Gemmi Schottenheimer said. “I won’t share what it said, but it was his mantra through the week. Writing sticky notes is so incredibly impactful for him.”
Gemmi Schottenheimer also left him a note on the coffee pot the morning of the announcement.
Honoring Marty
Marty Schottenheimer’s influence extends beyond the professional realm. According to Pat Schottenheimer, her late husband played a pivotal role in shaping Brian’s character.
“Oh, Marty would be so proud,” she said. “But someone told me, if Marty were still alive, he wouldn’t be able to see Brian all the time. Up in heaven, he can look down and see his son whenever he wants.”
She shared a story that underscores Schottenheimer’s compassion, even as a young quarterback in high school. After winning a state championship, a team manager with disabilities named Tony spoke at an event honoring the team.
“Tony said, ‘I want to thank Brian. Brian got me the job as a manager on the team, and it’s been the greatest ride of my life,’” Pat recalled. “That was the highlight of Tony’s life, and it shows Brian’s heart.”
Ready to work
Despite the emotional weight of the moment, Schottenheimer remains focused on the challenges ahead.
“I know my dad would say to me, ‘Brian, the easy part is over. Time to get to work,’” he said. “Go Cowboys.”
For the Schottenheimer family, Friday marked the culmination of decades of hard work, sacrifice and love for the game. As Schottenheimer takes on the role of Cowboys head coach, he does so with his father’s memory in his heart and his family’s unwavering support by his side.
