CANTON, Ohio — One of the Browns' all-time greats is one step closer to Canton.
Former Cleveland head coach Marty Schottenheimer has been named one of 12 semifinalists in the Pro Football Hall of Fame's Coach/Contributor category for the class of 2024. The special committee will meet one more time on Aug. 15 to select one finalist from the group, with that name almost guaranteed to be inducted next summer.
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Schottenheimer coached 21 NFL seasons for four different teams, including 4 1/2 with the Browns from 1984-88. During his time in Cleveland, he achieved a record of 46-31 with three AFC Central Division titles and playoff appearances in each of his four full years, including two trips to the AFC Championship Game.
Following his firing in 1988 after a dispute with Art Modell, Schottenheimer went on to coach the Kansas City Chiefs, Washington Redskins, and San Diego Chargers, notching nine more postseason appearances and another berth in the AFC title game. Unfortunately, his teams always fell just short of the Super Bowl, and his 205 career wins are the second-most by any coach to never win an NFL championship. Schottenheimer died in 2021 at the age of 77, following a battle with Alzheimer's disease.
Speaking of Modell, the controversial owner who moved the Browns to Baltimore was part of the initial list of 29 Coach/Contributor semifinalists, but did not advance to the next round. Former offensive guard John Wooten did, however, as the ex-Cleveland Pro Bowler is being considered for his time as an executive for the Dallas Cowboys, Philadelphia Eagles, and Baltimore Ravens.
Also on the narrowed list is former Browns President Mike Holmgren, who oversaw a lackluster 14-34 record during his tenure from 2010-12. Like Wooten, Holmgren's time in Cleveland won't be considered, with voters instead looking at his 174 wins and Super Bowl championship as head coach of the Green Bay Packers and Seattle Seahawks from 1992-2008.
The remaining nine Coach/Contributor candidates are as follows:
- Tom Coughlin (coach)
- Frank "Bucko" Kilroy (executive)
- Robert Kraft (owner)
- Buddy Parker (coach)
- Dan Reeves (coach)
- Art Rooney II (owner and executive)
- Mike Shanahan (coach)
- Clark Shaughnessy (coach)
- Lloyd Wells (scout)
Also on Thursday, the Hall of Fame's Seniors Committee narrowed down its own list of semifinalists to 12, as well, as officials work to select three nominees among players whose careers ended at least 25 years ago. Sadly for Browns fans, beloved linebacker and former Schottenheimer era star Clay Matthews Jr. once again fell short despite a 19-year career that saw him record 69 1/2 (official) sacks, including 62 with Cleveland.
On a brighter note, legendary Broncos linebacker Randy Gradishar — a Northeast Ohio native and two-time All-American at Ohio State — is among the final dozen seniors. The other 11 include:
- QB Ken Anderson
- LB Maxie Baughan
- RB Roger Craig
- OT Joe Jacoby
- DB Albert Lewis
- DT Steve McMichael
- CB Eddie Meadoe
- WR Art Powell
- WR Sterling Sharpe
- WR Otis Taylor
- OL/DT Al Wistert
The news on the class of 2024 comes as the Hall prepares to induct its class of 2023 next week in Canton. Iconic Browns left tackle Joe Thomas will be among the enshrinees.
