As expected, the Virginia Destroyers of the UFL have hired a head coach whose NFL career came to an abrupt end after a 14-2 performance in 2006.
Marty Schottenheimer, who consistently has said that he won’t return to coaching, has succeeded Jay Gruden as coach of the team. In the NFL, Schottenheimer coached the Browns, Chiefs, Redskins, and Chargers.
“I am excited to lead the Destroyers and am eager to return to the football field in Virginia,” Schottenheimer said in a release issued by the UFL. “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 is the third coach of a team that has never played a game. Joe Moglia initially got the job, but he was transferred to Omaha after Jeff Jagodzinski was fired. Then, Jay Gruden became the coach once the Florida Tuskers moved to Virginia and became the Destroyers. Gruden has since been hired by the Bengals to serve as offensive coordinator.
The UFL now has five teams and four former NFL head coaches -- Schottenheimer, Jerry Glanville, Dennis Green, and Jim Fassel.