by Tim Jones

Created on: February 14, 2007   Last Updated: October 31, 2008

Imagine this, your team just went 14-2. You have over 200 career victories and have taken every team you have coached to the playoffs. 2 of your assistants just got head coaching jobs, and you have been fired.

That is what just happened to Marty Schottenheimer, and I believe it's unprecedented. The Chargers were a nothing franchise when Marty arrived there 5 years ago, mired in 10 years of mediocrity, much like my beloved Bengals. I cannot think of another case in my lifetime where a coach went 14-2, the best record in the NFL this year, by the way, and was terminated that season. It's a travesty, and I think is a bad sign for football if this is the direction we're headed.

Everyone points to Schottenheimers 5-13 record in the playoffs as the reason why Marty should have been fired. These people obviously know little or nothing about football history. First of all, getting to the playoffs in 18 seasons is no small accomplishment. I, as a Bengals fan, waited 20 years between playoff appearances, and Marty was there 18 of those. Secondly, you have to know how those games were lost. When he was in Cleveland he was in the AFC championship game 2 years in a row, first beaten by John Elway's famous "drive", and the next year by Ernest Byner's famous "fumble" on the 2 yard line. As far as I know, Marty didn't play defense or run with the ball in either of these games, and I would hardly blame those losses on him. Both times they were in position to win those games, only to be beaten by the magic of Elway and on a fluke bad luck fumble.

Marty's time in Kansas City was alright, but that team was old and riding the tail end of Joe Montana's career. They made the playoffs but never had the stamina it takes to win it all. But, Marty did a fine coaching job. Skip forward to San Diego, a laughingstock when he arrived. He turned that team around and made the playoffs in 3 years, only to lose when Nate Kaeding missed a field goal against the Jets, who went on to win in overtime. Once again, Marty didn't miss that kick and they were in position to win it. They barely missed the playoffs last year, and made it this season. But, luck is not the friend of Schottenheimer as they drew Tom Brady and the Patriots in the divisional round, and Brady worked his magic once again, sticking the dagger in the Marty's heart in typical 4th quarter Brady fashion. Throwing touchdown passes to his no name receiving corps to beat the Chargers at home, setting the stage for todays firing.

If 14-2 isn't good enough, what is? What about Joe Gibbs? His return to Washington has been less that stellar so far, should he be dumped as well? Or will his Hall of Fame status insulate him? I look for Marty to return next year, maybe with the Giants who will be looking to replace Tom Coughlin. I'd take Marty on my team, at least you know you'll have a chance.

Learn more about this author, Tim Jones.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.