Tag: Marty Schottenheimer

Commanders Dan Quinn joined some elite company with Week 15 win

Dan Quinn did something only one other coach in Washington franchise history has done.

Dan Quinn is already in rare company.

With the 20-19 Commanders’ win over the Saints in Week 14, Dan Quinn reached his ninth win of the season.

The franchise has been led so poorly from the top that this 2024 season is the first nine-win season since Jay Gruden was the head coach, Kirk Cousins was the starting quarterback, and Sean McVay was the offensive coordinator in 2015. The only current player from that 2015 season was punter Tress Way.

Also, with that ninth win of the season, Quinn becomes only the second Washington head coach to have won nine games in his first NFL season with the franchise.

George Allen came to Washington in 1971, taking over a team that had finished 6-8 in 1970. Allen made numerous trades in the offseason but lost his starting quarterback, Sonny Jurgensen, to a broken shoulder in the preseason and Charley Taylor in the fifth game to a broken ankle. Yet the Redskins finished 9-4-1 and were the fourth and final team to make the NFC playoffs before losing in the first round to the NFC West champ 49ers in San Francisco 24-20.

The great Joe Gibbs came to Washington in 1981, taking over a team that was 6-10 in 1980. Gibbs lost his first five games and has often told of how then-owner Jack Kent Cooke asked to meet with Gibbs. Gibbs has commented that he thought he might get fired before winning even a single game.

Gibbs wasn’t fired, but he did manage to get the team to play his brand of football. They won eight of their final 11 games, finishing the season at 8-8.

Marty Schottenheimer came to Washington to succeed Norv Turner, whom owner Daniel Snyder had fired during the 2000 season in which the Redskins finished 8-8.

Schottenheimer inherited Jeff George as his starting quarterback, whom Snyder had brought to the team. Marty’s 2001 team started miserably, so miserably George was not only benched, he was released. The Redskins started 0-5, finished strongly at 8-8. But Snyder fired Schottenheimer.

How many games did Boston / Washington first-year head coaches win in their inaugural seasons?

  • 2020 Ron Rivera 7-9
  • 2014 Jay Gruden 4-12
  • 2010 Mike Shanahan 6-10
  • 2008 Jim Zorn 8-8
  • 2004 Joe Gibbs (2.0) 6-10
  • 2002 Steve Spurrier 7-9
  • 2001 Marty Schottenheimer 8-8
  • 1994 Norv Turner 3-13
  • 1993 Richie Petitbon 4-12
  • 1981 Joe Gibbs (1.0) 8-8
  • 1978 Jack Pardee 8-8
  • 1971 George Allen 9-4-1
  • 1970 Bill Austin 6-8
  • 1969 Vince Lombardi 7-5-2
  • 1966 Otto Graham 7-7
  • 1961 Bill McPeak 1-12-1
  • 1959 Mike Nixon 3-9
  • 1954 Joe Kuharich 3-9
  • 1952 Curly Lambeau 4-8
  • 1950 Herman Ball 3-9
  • 1946 Turk Edwards 5-5-1
  • 1944 Dudley DeGroot 6-3-1
  • 1943 Dutch Bergman  6-3-1
  • 1936 Ray Flaherty 7-5
  • 1935 Eddie Casey 2-8-1
  • 1933 Lone Star Dietz 5-5-2
  • 1932 Lud Wray 4-4-2

Giants legend Tom Coughlin named semifinalist for Hall of Fame

Retired New York Giants coach Tom Coughlin has been named a semifinalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame alongside three other ex-Giants.

Former New York Giants head coach Tom Coughlin, who led Big Blue to two Super Bowl championships, is among nine semifinalists in the coaches’ category for the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Class of 2025.

One of the nine candidates will be selected as a finalist for the Class of 2025 on November 19.

Other candidates who advanced on the list, which was cut down from 14 to nine on Thursday, include two other former Giant head coaches — Bill Arnsparger and Dan Reeves, and a former assistant Marty Schottenheimer.

Mike Shanahan, Mike Holmgren, George Seifert, Chuck Knox, and Clark Shaughnessy round out the list.

Along with being a two-time Super Bowl champ, Coughlin was the first head coach of the expansion Jacksonville Jaguars, taking them to two AFC Championship Games. His overall NFL record is 182-157 over a span of 20 seasons.

Arnsparger coached the Giants from 1974-76, compiling a 7-28 record but made his name as a coordinator of the Miami Dolphins’ No-Name defense of the early 1970s. He passed away in 2015.

Reeves coached Big Blue from 1993-96, compiling a 31-33 record. He is noted for taking the Denver Broncos to three Super Bowls and the Atlanta Falcons to another. He passed away in 2022.

Schottenheimer compiled a 205-139-1 record over 21 seasons as a head coach for Cleveland, Kansas City, San Diego, and Washington. He was a defensive assistant for the Giants in the mid-1970s where he developed Harry Carson and Brad Van Pelt into Pro Bowl linebackers.

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Mark McMillian reflects on Chiefs tenure, transition to broadcasting career

Ed Easton Jr. spoke to retired defensive back Mark McMillian about his tenure with the #Chiefs and his post-football broadcasting career. | w/ @EdEastonJr

The many notable players who have worn the Kansas City Chiefs’ uniform in their careers all carry fond memories of their tenure with the team, regardless of whether it ended with a Super Bowl title.

This week, Ed Easton Jr. spoke to former Chiefs defensive back Mark McMillian about his upcoming appearance at the Chiefs Kingdom Tailgate at Flanker Kitchen + Sports Bar on October 26 and 27 in Las Vegas, his tenure in Kansas City, and his eventual broadcasting career after retirement.

“It means the world as players, we don’t get a chance to interact with the fans or tailgate with the fans, so being able to be still appreciated for the work that you put in and be able to mingle with the fans that paid their hard-earned money to come out and watch us play and run around and do the good and the bad,” said McMillian. “Those fans were through tough times, weather, storms, snow. So it’s just… I’m just always appreciative, especially [for] people that follow my career.

“Knowing my status and my story of not even supposed to be in that position, and to be able to have a nice little eight-year career and finish it off—playing under Marty Schottenheimer and playing with Derrick Thomas. Those names stick out: Marcus Allen and Andre Rison. The list goes on with the guys that have the opportunity to play for and play with, and being able to come back to Vegas and Raider country and host the Kingdom Tailgate is pretty special.”

McMillian played two seasons in Kansas City. In 1997, he led the NFL in interception return yards and was tied for second place with eight interceptions. He continued to reflect on his time with the Chiefs.

“Running out of the tunnel, hearing the fans, seeing how passionate they are about their football playing with Rich Gannon, I was a kid that wasn’t even supposed to be in that position,” said McMillian. “Here I am, running out of the tunnel with the likes of Dale Carter and James Hasty, some really good names, and so many memories there.

“Breaking Emmett Thomas’s record for interception yardage was a little highlight, and it tied for the league and the NFL with interceptions, leading the league with touchdown returns. There are just so many great memories of playing in Kansas City. Man, I can’t mention just one.”

After eight seasons in the NFL, McMillian took his talents to the broadcasting world. He currently serves as a pregame host for CBS, covering the rival Las Vegas Raiders.

“I went to school for broadcasting, so that was my major,” McMillian explained. “So, many people are like, ‘Hey, how did you get into it? How are you so good?’ I’ve been broadcasting in Alabama since 1991-1992. In my rookie year in Philadelphia, we had a show called ‘The Little Big Man Show,’ for which I won an Emmy Award. So I’ve been, I’ve been doing TV for a while, but the transition is great, obviously, you know, here with CBS doing a Raiders Pregame Live show, it’s a little difficult.

“It’s not like being a radio or TV host in Kansas City, where you’re winning. It’s a little tougher, but I love it. I love to break down about the game. Give the fans an insight into what I see as to what they see on TV. And it justifies what I talked about because I played the game at a high level.”

https://www.instagram.com/mcmillian29/reel/DAoJZmXPWTE/?hl=en

For more information on the Chiefs Kingdom Tailgate at Flanker Kitchen + Sports Bar, log on to flankerlv.com

Ex-Chiefs DB Mark McMillian talks ‘Mighty Mouse’ nickname, Gordon Ramsay experience

Ex-Kansas City Chiefs defensive back Mark McMillian explains his ‘Mighty Mouse’ nickname, Gordon Ramsay experience | w/ @EdEastonJr

Many NFL players thrive in professions unrelated to the game of football when they retire, and the Kansas City Chiefs have seen several such athletes come through the franchise over the years.

This week, Chiefs Wire’s Ed Easton Jr. spoke to one of the unsung heroes of Kansas City’s swarming secondaries in the 1990s, former Chiefs cornerback Mark McMillian.

In his interview with Easton Jr., McMillian opened up about his upcoming appearance at the Chiefs Kingdom Tailgate at Flanker Kitchen + Sports Bar on October 26 and 27 in Las Vegas, his ‘Grill’n McMillian’ franchise, the ‘Mighty Mouse’ nickname he earned in the NFL, and the experience he had working under Gordon Ramsay on ‘Next Level Chef.’

“I started ‘Grill’n McMillian‘; I’ve been in business for four years and have been selling my spices here in Arizona, Las Vegas, and Hy-Vee in Kansas City,” McMillian said. “So just excited for this opportunity to be able to give back and for everybody to enjoy the spices and the barbecue sauce; it’s got a little Kansas City sweet heat thing to it.”

 

McMillian has a unique nickname from his playing days: ‘Mighty Mouse.’ He explained the nickname’s origins and its fit with the 1990s Chiefs.

“My JUCO (Junior College) coach always called me Sweet Pete from the movie Popeye,” McMillian explained. “Then, when I went to Philadelphia, it was Mighty Mac, Mighty Mouse. It took off when I got to Kansas City because Derrick Thomas was the Falcon, and Andre Rison was Spider-Man.

“And they said, man, we got to name you because you’re doing good. And, with the Chiefs’ colors, I always came up with an interception at the right time. I just went to that theme, and then they started playing the Mighty Mouse theme song when I started getting interceptions. So that was pretty cool.”

In 2023, McMillian appeared as a contestant on the second season of the American culinary reality competition television series Next Level Chef, mentored by Gordon Ramsay. He compared his experience under the famous chef to playing under some of the best football coaches.

“They’re almost the same, you know, they’re both fiery. Marty (Schottenheimer) was fiery,” McMillian explained. “I played under Ray Rhodes in Philadelphia, who had a lot of fire and a lot of passion, and Gene Stallings in Alabama. He was a Bear Bryant guy. So he had that kind of mean draw and tenacity. And that was one of the questions they asked me during the psych evaluation test. What if Gordon gets in your face and starts yelling? What would you do?

“I was honest. I don’t know what I would do, so I’ve been in that situation before as a coach, but I knew that was my job. A cooking show, I didn’t know what I would do. Still, he’s totally a different person off camera; being selected for that show and flying to London from, you know, just grilling in the backyard to being on one of the hit shows ‘Next Level Chef’ was unbelievable. I continue to carry that torch, and now I am hosting tailgate parties.”

McMillian will continue to extend his business beyond football with event cooking demonstrations.

“I have a tailgate event that I’m doing this weekend at Las Vegas Motor Speedway for NASCAR, where I’m doing a cooking demonstration for fans as well,” said McMillian. “So I’m just not doing football. I’m transferring over to the NASCAR space as well.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/DA3ndSVP1GF/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

For more information on the Chiefs Kingdom Tailgate at Flanker Kitchen + Sports Bar, log on to flankerlv.com

Commanders’ Dan Quinn maintaining a proper perspective after huge win

Dan Quinn on how the highs and lows of a season can be dangerous.

Life is full of ups and downs, mountains and valleys.

Commanders head coach Dan Quinn has lived long enough (age 54) and coached long enough in the NFL to know this is true in the NFL as well.

Consequently, after a night’s sleep following Washington’s thrilling 38-33 victory in Cincinnati, Quinn was level-headed and maintained a proper perspective Tuesday when talking with the media.

“Roller coasters are as fun as hell, but you can’t ride the highs and lows because both can be equally dangerous,” began Quinn.

He’s absolutely correct. I recall Washington in 1978 started 6-0; it was exciting. But it finished 8-8. On the other side of the coin, I recall the 1981 Joe Gibbs first season began dreadfully at 0-5. However, they rebounded to finish 8-8. Twenty years later, Marty Schottenheimer’s Redskins team also began 0-5 and also finished 8-8.

Quinn spoke of how the team traveled from Cincinnati to Arizona rather than returning home to Ashburn. He knows the win was a big one. He knows the temptations to get distracted, forgetting what you did to win a big game. “To me, it worked out perfectly to stay in this pocket, no outside voices of highs or lows. Our pocket is all about proving it, about competing, about improvement.”

He spoke of the team being connected while staying in Arizona in preparation for the Week 4 contest at the Cardinals. Yet the world is a different place today. Each player has his phone and will see stories about how great they were last night.

Dan Quinn has his work cut out for him this week, and he’s already displaying he is quite aware and wants to work hard to avoid a pitfall against the Cardinals.

Marcus Allen shares thoughts from both sides of Chiefs vs. Raiders rivalry

Chiefs Wire’s Ed Easton Jr. spoke to Pro Football Hall of Famer Marcus Allen about playing on both sides of the #Chiefs vs. #Raiders rivalry. | @EdEastonJr

The AFC West showdowns between the Kansas City Chiefs and Las Vegas Raiders have created iconic moments in the NFL’s history. The anticipation before each game has fans, players, and coaches ready for a big game battle at least twice a season.

Chiefs Wire’s Ed Easton Jr. spoke to Pro Football Hall of Famer Marcus Allen about his experience competing at the annual American Century Championship golf tournament and playing on both sides of the Chiefs vs. Raiders rivalry.

“They’re probably a handful of guys we know that are going to be in contention (American Century Championship), and most of us go up there to compete and have fun. And for many of us, it’s networking, too,” said Allen. “But I played in a stretch where I had three birdies in a row. I’ve played well, and then I turn around. It’s been Christmas in July, and I give points back. You know what I mean. Just being there has been a high point.”

Allen played eleven seasons with the Los Angeles Raiders, winning Rookie of the Year, league MVP, and Super Bowl MVP. He decided to join the division rival Chiefs in 1993, playing a role in improving the franchise and making a run to the AFC Championship game.

“When I was playing for the Raiders, it just felt like everybody was a rival, but, when I played for the Chiefs, I felt, in particular, the Raiders were the rival, and Marty Schottenheimer made a point of that special, he emphasized it that way,” Allen explained. “To me, it was a balancing act, right? I go to compete regardless; even if I were playing against my brother, I would never try to embarrass my brother, but I would try to win, and that’s how it was for me.

“Nothing was personal. Remember, these are my friends that I had, that I fought with, and that’s why I even today, if there is, I guess the last event I went to was the Kimble Anders (Chiefs Ring Of Honor) induction because these are my teammates. I let nothing or no one separate me from that, no matter if they want you to pick and choose, and I’ll never do that. I’ll always choose my teammates.”

Allen earned a reputation in the locker room as one of the more likable teammates for both the Chiefs and Raiders. His teammates notably voted him for the Commitment to Excellence Award five times during his career with the Raiders.

“In this case, I played for two teams and had great teammates on both. So that’s how I look at it. Yeah, I wanted to win the game,” said Allen. “We won nine out of ten, but it was mixed emotions with me, right? It’s like, I’m gonna win, but I don’t feel so great about beating my buddies, and that’s how it was.”

This year marks the 35th edition of the golf tournament known as the “Super Bowl of Celebrity Golf.” The 54-hole tournament, which raises funds for local and national charities, will take place from Wednesday, July 10th, through Sunday, July 14th. It will air on NBC, with special coverage on Peacock and GOLF Channel. At stake is a purse of $750,000, with a $150,000 first prize award.

Check out the website for more information about the American Century Championship.

Former Chief Donnie Edwards: ‘I never wanted to leave Kansas City’

#Chiefs Wire’s Ed Easton Jr. spoke to Donnie Edwards, who said that he didn’t want to leave Kansas City during his time in the NFL. | @EdEastonJr

The business of football changes the dynamics of every team in the NFL, and the Kansas City Chiefs have had their share of movement determined by front-office decisions.

Former Chiefs linebacker Donnie Edwards earned All-Pro honors twice as a San Diego Charger, but told Chiefs Wire’s Ed Easton Jr. about how much he loved his time in Kansas City.

“Kansas City and Arrowhead Stadium, that’s my home,” Edwards explained. “There’s one Kansas City, which is my town. They adopted me when I was 22, 23 years old. They took me in, right? So they’re the ones that’s my foundation, right? And I tell you, I never wanted to leave. I never wanted to leave Kansas City. I just signed a new contract. But as I told you, when you have a new coach come in, they have a different mentality.

“Dick Vermeil came in, and he’s all about offense. So we have to take the money away from the defense and put it on the offense. These are things that you can’t control. But I never wanted to leave Kansas City. I want to make sure that it is known. I think everybody knew that because the city didn’t want me to leave; I didn’t want to leave, but it’s out of my control.”

From 1996 to 2001, Edwards was an impact player for the Chiefs, and after being unable to agree on a new contract, he was released, moving on to an AFC West rival.

“I got released and picked up by Marty Schottenheimer and the Chargers, who brought me in [in] 2002,” Edwards continued. “Being in the AFC West, I gotta face my team twice, and it’s one of these deals where you didn’t break up with the person, and they broke up with you. So, I didn’t stay in the relationship, but it wasn’t up to me because I got broken up with. It’s not a good feeling right now when you give it to me. I think all of us have been in relationships, but it’s not a good feeling.

“I’ll never forget going back to Arrowhead back in 2002. And I was a Charger, and I’ll never forget the honor that the fans of Kansas City gave me when I went back there because I know it doesn’t happen. I know how fans are for sure, especially if you leave, but I think there was a different feeling about what I’ve done in the community and the rapport I have with the fans at Kansas City.”

Before returning to Kansas City for the final two years of his career, Edwards had his best statistical seasons with the Chargers but always kept Chiefs Kingdom in mind.

“When I was with the Chargers, we beat the Chiefs, and I believe I got an interception at the end to seal it,” Edwards said. “After the game, I was in the shower, and someone told me, Hey, get out of the shower, get ready to get dressed. Someone wants to say hello to you. So I got dressed, and I went out there.

“The owner, Lamar Hunt, came to me and said hello and thank you for the years at Kansas City—just that respect. I will never forget that because here’s the team’s owner, and even, after a loss, come into the opponent’s locker room to shake my hand and say thank you. I will never forget that because that shows the quality of the organization of the Kansas City Chiefs, and it was very special.”

To learn more about Donnie Edwards’ work with military veterans, visit the Best Defense Foundation’s website.

Former Washington linebacker Antonio Pierce is the new head coach of the Raiders

Pierce began his career with Washington and was an excellent linebacker before he was allowed to walk in 2005.

The Las Vegas Raiders made it official on Friday: They were hiring interim coach Antonio Pierce as the franchise’s new head coach.

Pierce, 45, began the 2023 NFL season as the Raiders’ linebackers coach but was promoted to interim coach when the team fired Josh McDaniels. Pierce did an outstanding job, leading the Raiders to a 5-4 record with some impressive victories, including a Christmas Day win over the Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium.

Several Las Vegas players, including stars like defensive end Maxx Crosby and wide receiver Davante Adams, made it clear to everyone the players wanted Pierce back.

It’s been quite the journey for Pierce. An undrafted free agent out of Arizona in 2001, he signed with the then-Washington Redskins as an undrafted free agent. It was Marty Schottenheimer who identified Pierce. He started eight games as a rookie and was a key member of Washington’s special-teams units.

It was the 2004 season in which Pierce had his breakout year. Under the legendary Joe Gibbs and new defensive coordinator Gregg Williams, Pierce started all 16 games as Washington’s middle linebacker. He was the linchpin on the NFL’s No. 3 defense that season. It was the perfect time for Pierce to enter free agency, too.

Antonio Pierce #58 of the Washington Redskins. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)

He wanted to return, and the team seemed to want him to return. Unfortunately, the team lowballed Pierce, allowing him to hit free agency and enjoy a terrific five-year run with the Giants before he retired in 2010.

Pierce started a TV career after retiring but instead pivoted to coaching. He began as a high school coach in California before accepting a position as linebackers coach under Herm Edwards at Arizona State. After two years as a linebackers coach, he was co-defensive coordinator for one season before moving into the role alone in 2021.

In 2022, Pierce accepted his first NFL coaching position with the Raiders.

It’s been an incredible journey for Pierce, who earned the job with his results and outstanding leadership.

Congratulations to the former Washington linebacker.

Can the Commanders next head coach break the losing cycle?

Can Washington’s next head coach produce a winner?

The Washington Commanders are moving on, looking for a new head coach soon, perhaps in the next couple of weeks.

Ron Rivera’s firing reminded all Washington fans that Rivera, in his four seasons (2020-23), did not achieve a single winning season. By not having a winning season for Washington, Rivera joined Jim Zorn, Steve Spurrier, and Marty Schottenheimer as coaches under Dan Snyder, who did not post a winning record.

Zorn (2008-09) was 12-20,  as was Spurrier (2002-03) 12-20, with Schottenheimer finishing 8-8 in his lone season in Washington (2001).

Achieving winning seasons has been difficult in Washington since Dan Snyder took over the ownership. But it has been done.

Norv Turner in Snyder’s first season (1999) led Washington to a 10-6 record and the NFC East title. But Turner did not survive the next season, being fired during an 8-8 season. It’s often forgotten that Turner had two other winning seasons prior to Snyder’s arrival. His team won in 1996 (9-7) and 1997 (8-7-1).

The next winning season in Washington was 2005 when Joe Jackson Gibbs felt so bad for the franchise’s struggles he risked his own reputation and came back to coach the Redskins for four seasons. Gibbs also added a winning season in his last NFL coaching year (2007) when Washington was 9-7 and a Wild Card team. His 2005 team was the last Washington team to win a playoff game.

Mike Shanahan’s team got hot down the stretch, winning their last seven games and finishing 10-6 in 2012. It was Shanahan’s (2010-13) only winning season in Washington, as Robert Griffin refused to run the same offense and proceeded to never develop as a pocket passer in the NFL. By 2015, Washington was attempting to trade Griffin and had no takers.

Jay Gruden (2014-19) actually had two winning seasons, while Kirk Cousins was the quarterback in Burgundy and Gold. Washington was 9-7 in 2015 and 8-7-1 in 2016. Washington has not had a winning season since Gruden was the head coach and Cousins the starting quarterback.

Finally, let the record display that Joe Gibbs (1981-92) was 124-60 under Jack Kent Cooke. Then in the playoffs Gibbs coached in 5 NFC championship games, 4 Super Bowls and won three of those Super Bowls.

Here’s to hoping the next Washington coach has a winning record.

Every Chargers head coach’s record in franchise history

Here is every Chargers head coach, from Sid Gillman to Brandon Staley.

In light of the Chargers firing Brandon Staley, here is a look at the team’s head coaching history and each of their records.