Broncos assistant head coach resigns citing health issue

The Denver Broncos will be without their assistant head coach following the resignation of Mike Westhoff. 

Westhoff, 76, is stepping away to monitor a potential health issue. While it appears that he’s going to be okay, he wants to take care of himself and will be leaving the team immediately. 

Westhoff was convinced to come out of retirement and join Sean Payton’s staff last year. He worked for Payton with the New Orleans Saints in 2017 and 2018 and in Denver, provided an immense lift to the special teams group. The special teams are now solely in the hands of Ben Kotwica, and Westhoff feels the team is in great hands with him. 

Westhoff began his coaching career back in 1976 as a graduate assistant at Indiana. He has been in the NFL since 1986 where he started as a tight ends and special teams coach of the Miami Dolphins. He was in that role for 15 seasons before becoming the special teams coach of the New York Jets in 2001, a post he held until 2012. 

He retired following the 2018 season when the Saints lost in controversial fashion to the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Championship Game. When Payton was hired by the Broncos, he coaxed Westhoff into joining his staff. 

He will rank as one of the best special teams coaches in NFL history. If this is the end of his long career, Westhoff should be thanked and congratulated for his services. We would also like to wish him a speedy recovery. 

MORE BRONCOS NEWS

Critical penalty called on Broncos in Week 10 looks even more absurd from new camera angle

Broncos have obvious silver lining despite devastating Week 10 loss to Chiefs

When do the Broncos play the Chiefs next?

Broncos Week 10 winners, losers following heartbreaking loss in KC

Horrendous second-quarter call by referees looms large in Broncos loss to Chiefs