Western Pa. natives Schottenheimer, Knox, former Steelers coach reach Hall of Fame semifinal round
Two Western Pennsylvania natives and a former Pittsburgh Steelers head coach remain under consideration for induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2026.
Marty Schottenheimer, Chuck Knox and Buddy Parker are among nine semifinalists that were announced Wednesday by the Hall of Fame. A coaching blue-ribbon committee will meet virtually Nov. 18 to select one finalist to present to the selection committee for consideration. The selection committee will meet in early 2026.
Schottenheimer was born in Canonsburg and attended Fort Cherry High School. He coached the Cleveland Browns, Kansas City Chiefs, Washington Redskins and San Diego Chargers, compiling a 205-139-1 record that includes his postseason appearances. He also was the mentor to former Steelers coach and Hall of Famer Bill Cowher.
Knox was born and raised in Sewickley. A three-time NFL coach of the year, he compiled a 193-158-1 record, including playoffs, as head coach of the Los Angeles Rams, Buffalo Bills and Seattle Seahawks.
Parker coached the Steelers from 1957-64, but is better known for his work in Detroit where he led the Lions to two NFL championships. His career record, counting postseason, was 107-67-9.
The other six semifinalists are Bill Belichick, Tom Coughlin, Mike Holmgren, Dan Reeves, George Seifert and Mike Shanahan.
Knox and Schottenheimer reached the semifinal round a year ago.
When it meets in early 2026, the selection committee will consider 15 modern-era players, three seniors, one coach and one contributor.
Joe Rutter is a TribLive reporter who has covered the Pittsburgh Steelers since the 2016 season. A graduate of Greensburg Salem High School and Point Park, he is in his fifth decade covering sports for the Trib. He can be reached at jrutter@triblive.com.
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