Marty Schottenheimer reportedly dealing with early-onset Alzheimer's disease

Marty Schottenheimer spent 21 seasons as an NFL head coach (AP)

Former NFL coach Marty Schottenheimer, beloved by many of his former players, is battling early-onset Alzheimer’s disease according to a report from Tony Grossi of ESPN.com.

Schottenheimer, 73, coached the Cleveland Browns, Kansas City Chiefs, Washington Redskins and San Diego Chargers. He never made a Super Bowl in his 21 seasons as a head coach, but he posted a 200-126-1 record.

Schottenheimer was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease about five years ago, the story said.

Schottenheimer’s wife Pat told ESPN.com that he is in good health, playing golf several times a week, but his memory fails him at times.

“It’s going be a long road,” Pat Schottenheimer told Grossi. “We both know that.”

Schottenheimer was known for an upbeat personality and his inspirational speeches to his team, so it shouldn’t be a surprise that Schottenheimer had a positive outlook when he spoke with Grossi.

“I’m sitting here looking at a lake and it’s a spectacular setting,” Schottenheimer said. “Pat and I, the Lord’s blessed us. I mean, there’s no other way I can identify it. We’re doing really good.”

The story said Schottenheimer will begin a trial with a new drug that could slow down the effects of the disease.

Schottenheimer last coached in the NFL in 2006. He went 14-2 with the San Diego Chargers, but the Chargers were upset by the New England Patriots in their first playoff game that season and he was fired. In addition to his successful coaching career, Schottenheimer also played six NFL seasons as a linebacker with the Buffalo Bills and Boston Patriots. He was a Pro Bowler his rookie year, in 1965.