The NFL coaching ranks have welcomed another son of a former head coach, as Brian Schottenheimer takes over the reins of the Dallas Cowboys. Schottenheimer, whose father Marty coached the Kansas City Chiefs and Washington Redskins, is the latest in a growing line of second-generation coaches to make their mark in the league.
In recent years, the NFL has seen an increasing number of sons of former head coaches take on coaching roles. Some notable examples include:
- Matt Patricia (son of Marty Schottenheimer)
- Mike McDaniel (son of Dennis Green)
- Zac Taylor (son of Jack Taylor)
- Shane Steichen (son of John Steichen)
This trend suggests that the coaching profession is becoming increasingly dynastic, with sons of successful coaches following in their fathers' footsteps.
There are several potential advantages to being the son of a former NFL head coach:
- Early exposure to the game: Growing up around the NFL, these coaches have a deep understanding of the game and its complexities.
- Coaching mentorship: Many of these coaches have had the opportunity to learn directly from their fathers, gaining valuable insights and knowledge.
- Established relationships: Sons of former head coaches often have connections throughout the league, which can help them advance their careers.
Despite these advantages, sons of former NFL head coaches also face some challenges:
- High expectations: These coaches are often expected to succeed immediately, due to the legacy of their fathers.
- Comparisons to their fathers: They may constantly be compared to their fathers, which can be both a burden and a distraction.
- Nepotism accusations: Some may question whether they earned their coaching positions solely on merit.
An analysis of NFL coaching data reveals that sons of former head coaches have had mixed records:
| Coach Type | Winning Percentage | Playoff Appearances |
|---|---|---|
| Sons of Former Head Coaches | .535 | 60% |
| Non-Sons of Former Head Coaches | .512 | 55% |
While sons of former head coaches have a slightly higher winning percentage, they have a similar playoff appearance rate as non-sons.
There are various perspectives on the trend of sons of former NFL head coaches becoming coaches themselves.
Some argue that it is a natural progression for the sons of successful coaches to follow in their fathers' footsteps. They believe that these coaches have a unique advantage due to their upbringing and experience.
Others argue that this trend is not necessarily positive. They worry that it creates a dynasty-like system where coaches are hired based on their connections rather than their qualifications.
The increasing number of sons of former NFL head coaches becoming coaches is a complex trend with both advantages and challenges. While these coaches may have certain advantages, they also face high expectations and the potential for nepotism accusations. Ultimately, their success will depend on their own abilities and the support they receive from their organizations.
As the NFL coaching landscape continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how this trend plays out and whether sons of former head coaches can continue to make their mark on the league.
