Drew Brees Advocates for Marty Schottenheimer's Hall of Fame Induction

Brees says former coach deserves Canton recognition for sustained success across multiple teams

Apr. 18, 2026 at 10:40am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist, geometric painting depicting the silhouettes of football players and coaches in overlapping, abstracted shapes and planes, conveying the strategic complexity and emotional intensity of the sport.Brees's impassioned plea for his former coach Schottenheimer's Hall of Fame induction reflects the lasting impact of great mentors, even in the fractured world of professional football.Canton Today

During a visit to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, NFL legend Drew Brees passionately advocated for his former coach Marty Schottenheimer to be inducted into the Hall. Brees credits Schottenheimer as a key mentor who helped develop him into the star quarterback he became, despite some early career challenges. Schottenheimer's impressive coaching record across the Browns, Chiefs, and Chargers makes a strong case for his Hall of Fame enshrinement, though he has yet to be selected.

Why it matters

Schottenheimer's exclusion from the Hall of Fame despite his sustained success as a head coach has been a point of contention among NFL fans and analysts. Brees's vocal support for his former coach's induction brings renewed attention to Schottenheimer's qualifications and the ongoing debate around his Hall of Fame candidacy.

The details

During his visit to Canton, Brees spoke passionately about Schottenheimer's coaching abilities and the positive impact he had on Brees's own career development, even during difficult times when Schottenheimer benched him as the Chargers' starting quarterback. Brees credits Schottenheimer's focus on doing 'what was in the best interests of the team' and bringing out the best in his players as key factors in Brees becoming the star he is today.

  • Brees visited the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Friday, April 18, 2026 to participate in events for the Class of 2026 inductees.
  • Schottenheimer passed away in 2021 after a battle with Alzheimer's disease at the age of 77.

The players

Drew Brees

A future Hall of Fame quarterback who played under Marty Schottenheimer with the San Diego Chargers early in his career.

Marty Schottenheimer

A longtime NFL head coach who had successful tenures with the Cleveland Browns, Kansas City Chiefs, and San Diego Chargers, but has yet to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Luke Kuechly

A former All-Pro linebacker for the Carolina Panthers who Brees frequently faced during his career.

Larry Fitzgerald

A wide receiver who is part of the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2026.

Roger Craig

A running back who is part of the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2026.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Let me start off by saying Marty Schottenheimer absolutely deserves to be in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.”

— Drew Brees, NFL Quarterback

“Talk to any player who played for him … he was an incredible coach. He was an incredible coach, an incredible mentor, an incredible teacher. He was the guy who would walk around the field and coach every single position. I learned so much from him.”

— Drew Brees, NFL Quarterback

“Luke is one of my favorite players of all time. He's the greatest defensive player I played against.”

— Drew Brees, NFL Quarterback

“If you guys walk up on Drew, he's big. He's wide, he's broad, he has long arms and big hands. He's a big, strong dude.”

— Luke Kuechly, NFL Linebacker

What’s next

The Pro Football Hall of Fame will continue to consider Marty Schottenheimer's candidacy for induction, with the next opportunity for his selection coming in the lead-up to the Class of 2027 enshrinement ceremony.

The takeaway

Drew Brees's passionate advocacy for his former coach Marty Schottenheimer's Hall of Fame induction highlights the lasting impact Schottenheimer had on the careers of his players, despite never reaching a Super Bowl. Schottenheimer's sustained success across multiple NFL franchises makes a strong case for his inclusion in Canton, even as the Hall of Fame selection committee has yet to honor his coaching accomplishments.