| Personal information | |
|---|---|
| Born | (1948-01-10)January 10, 1948 (age 77) Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Career information | |
| College | Wichita State |
| Career history | |
| |
Mike Westhoff (born January 10, 1948) is an American former professionalfootball coach who spent a total of 33 seasons coaching in theNational Football League (NFL).[1] He primarily coached special teams for a number of teams, most notably for theNew York Jets,Miami Dolphins, andNew Orleans Saints. In 2024, he stepped down from his position as assistant head coach for theDenver Broncos due to health reasons. Westhoff is considered to be among the greatest special teams coaches in league history.[2][3]
Westhoff was the special teams and tight ends coach for theMiami Dolphins from 1986 to 2000.
Westhoff joined the Jets staff in 2001.
He stepped down as thespecial teamscoach for theNew York Jets in December 2007 after the final game.[4] On September 1, 2008, it was announced Westhoff would return to the Jets' sideline for the 2008 season in an undefined role.
On August 8, 2010, Westhoff received a one-year contract extension.[2] Westhoff remained with the team through 2011, which he announced would likely be his final year with the team. However, on January 26, 2012, the Jets announced that they had given Westhoff a contract extension through the 2012 season.[2][5] Westhoff officially retired after the 2012 season.
On November 15, 2017, the New Orleans Saints had hired Westhoff to join their special teams coaching staff for the remainder of the2017 season.[6] The next day, Saints head coachSean Payton said that Westhoff would be responsible for supervising all the special teams units.[7]
Following the controversial loss in the2018 NFC Championship game versus theLos Angeles Rams, Westoff appeared onMike's On radio show withMike Francesa ofWFAN. On the program, he declared the result of that game as "the toughest loss of his long career".[8]
Westhoff was hired to be the assistant head coach of theDenver Broncos under new head coach,Sean Payton, on February 25, 2023.[9]
On November 12, 2024,Tom Pelissero ofNFL Network reported Westhoff would step down from his position due to health problems related to his vision. Westhoff confirmed the report the next day, releasing a statement assuring fans that while he was okay, the incident was his body giving him a warning which he had to listen to. He concluded his message expressing gratitude for the outpouring of support from Broncos fans.[10]
In 1988, Westhoff was diagnosed with cancer of thefemur in his left leg.[11] Originally, the condition was misdiagnosed and Westhoff was nearly fatally wounded after the doctor accidentally cut one of his arteries.[11] Once the correct diagnosis was made Westhoff underwent ten surgeries to remove the cancer and the bone replacing it with bone grafts, plates, screws and pins.[11][12] A cracked bone graft in 2007, caused Westhoff to announce his departure from the Jets.[13] In 2008, Westhoff entered theMemorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center to undergo a procedure to replace the missing femur with a titanium rod.[11] After vigorous rehabilitation, Westhoff was able to walk again and returned to the Jets' sidelines in September 2008.[14]
Westhoff is a native of thePittsburgh suburb ofBethel Park, Pennsylvania.[15] Westhoff has a son, John.[12]