Marty Schottenheimer, who has more than 20 seasons of NFL head-coaching experience, was announced Wednesday as the head coach and general manager of the expansion Virginia Destroyers of the United Football League.
Schottenheimer most recently coached the San Diego Chargers from 2002 to 2006, after stints with the Washington Redskins (2001), Kansas City Chiefs (1989-98) and Cleveland Browns (1984-88). He led the Chargers, Chiefs and Browns to the playoffs, and in 2004, he engineered San Diego's turnaround from a 4-12 last-place team to a 12-4 AFC West Division champion. His NFL regular-season record stands at 200-126-1.
"I am excited to lead the Destroyers and am eager to return to the football field in Virginia," Schottenheimer said. "I have been impressed with the fervor and passion that has been created in the region for a team that has yet to play a down of football. I promise the fans there that we will repay them with a great product on the field and a franchise to make them proud."
Schottenheimer replaces Jay Gruden, who was hired as offensive coordinator by the Cincinnati Bengals this offseason.
"The Destroyers fans have been very patient in waiting for a head coach, and we believe we have rewarded them with a great leader and a proven winner," UFL Commissioner Michael Huyghue said. "Marty Schottenheimer is among the NFL coaching greats, and his record speaks for itself."
The Destroyers will inherit the roster of the Florida Tuskers, who appeared in the UFL's title game the past two seasons. They will play at the Virginia Beach Sportsplex, which has 6,000 permanent seats and will have 12,000 more temporary seats installed.
"This is exciting," Schottenheimer said. "This is exciting as heck."
Schottenheimer joins former NFL coaches Jim Fassel (Las Vegas), Dennis Green (Sacramento) and Jerry Glanville (Hartford) on the UFL sideline.
