Mike Westhoff Steps Back from Broncos Due to Health Concerns
In a move that reverberates throughout the NFL, Denver Broncos assistant head coach Mike Westhoff has decided to step back from his coaching duties to prioritize his health. At 76 years old, Westhoff, a respected figure with a storied career spanning over three decades in the NFL, is facing new challenges related to his well-being.
A Storied Career
Westhoff's coaching journey began in 1982 with a role as an offensive line and tight ends coach for the Indianapolis Colts. However, it is as a special teams coordinator that he made his most significant mark. A mainstay in the NFL for 33 seasons, he spent his longest tenure with the Miami Dolphins, serving the team from 1986 to 2000. He later joined the New York Jets, where he coached from 2001 to 2012, helping mold their special teams into one of the league's best.
His time with the Jets was marked by a notable collaboration with Ben Kotwica, who he worked alongside again with the Broncos. Westhoff's influence on special teams was not just about tactics and strategies but also about instilling discipline and determination in his players. The two teamed up from 2009 to 2012, crafting innovative approaches that left a lasting impression on the field and among peers.
In 2018, Westhoff found himself with the New Orleans Saints, where he continued to demonstrate his commitment to excellence and resilience, not just on the field but also personally—as a cancer survivor. His courage and vigor became an inspiration for many within the sport.
A Health-Driven Decision
Recently, Westhoff has been contending with vision issues that necessitated deeper medical evaluations. Recognizing the importance of taking care of himself, he remarked, "It's not easy to make this decision, but this was a wake-up call that I needed to put my health first." This poignant admission underscores the seriousness of his condition and the internal struggle that often accompanies such significant decisions, especially for individuals whose identities have been so entwined with their professions.
Despite stepping back, Westhoff maintains his sense of humor and fortitude. In jest responding to the idea of him appearing older, he quipped, "Gee, thanks. I'm not old. I think he looks older than me." It's a statement that embodies not just his personality but also his enduring passion for life and football.
Broncos' Season Amidst Changes
The Denver Broncos face the remainder of the season with a record of 5-5, having recently endured two back-to-back losses. Placed seventh, the team holds onto the final playoff spot in their conference, a precarious position that requires not just tactical finesse but also rallying spirit. Their next challenge looms against the Atlanta Falcons, who are positioned slightly better with a 6-4 record. Navigating these waters without Westhoff’s strategic acumen and leadership will be a tall order.
However, the foundation laid by Westhoff and Kotwica’s partnership offers some stability. The duo has crafted a special teams unit that reflects their combined experience and skills, honed through years of collaboration. Their work with the Jets, immortalized by Westhoff's appearance on HBO's "Hard Knocks" in 2010 during the Jets' training camp, showcased the kind of synergy that few coaching partnerships achieve.
A Mentor and Brother
Rex Ryan, a former head coach who worked with Westhoff, has often referred to him as both a mentor and an "older brother." This dual role reflects the breadth of Westhoff's impact. Beyond the immediate Xs and Os of football, he has played a significant role in shaping careers, not just through formal mentorship but through the bonds of kinship that form in the intense arena of professional sports.
As the Broncos chart a new course without Westhoff on the sidelines, his influence remains a guiding force. The lessons, camaraderie, and indomitable spirit he imparted to players and fellow coaches will continue to resonate, perhaps inspiring a new chapter of excellence and perseverance.