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{{Short description|American football coach}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2019}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2019}}
{{Infobox NFL biography
{{Infobox NFL biography
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| alt =
| alt =
| caption =
| caption =
| current_team = New Orleans Saints
| current_team = Denver Broncos
| position = Special Teams Coach
| position = Assistant head coach
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1948|1|10|mf=y}}
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1948|1|10|mf=y}}
| birth_place = [[Bethel Park, Pennsylvania]]
| birth_place = [[Bethel Park, Pennsylvania]], U.S.
| death_date =
| death_date =
| death_place =
| death_place =
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| college = [[Wichita State Shockers football|Wichita State]]
| college = [[Wichita State Shockers football|Wichita State]]
| pastcoaching =
| pastcoaching =
* [[Indiana Hoosiers football|Indiana]] (1974)<br>Graduate assistant
* [[Indiana Hoosiers football|Indiana]] (1974)<br />Graduate assistant
* [[Indiana Hoosiers football|Indiana]] (1975)<br>Freshman coach
* Indiana (1975)<br />Freshman coach
* [[Dayton Flyers football|Dayton]] (1976)<br>Offensive line coach
* [[Dayton Flyers football|Dayton]] (1976)<br />Offensive line coach
* [[Indiana State Sycamores football|Indiana State]] (1977)<br>Defensive line coach & linebackers coach
* [[Indiana State Sycamores football|Indiana State]] (1977)<br />Defensive line coach & linebackers coach
* [[Northwestern Wildcats football|Northwestern]] (1978–1980)<br>Offensive line coach
* [[Northwestern Wildcats football|Northwestern]] (1978–1980)<br />Offensive line coach
* [[TCU Horned Frogs football|Texas Christian]] (1981)<br>Offensive line coach
* [[TCU Horned Frogs football|Texas Christian]] (1981)<br />Offensive line coach
* [[Indianapolis Colts]] (1982–1984)<br>Offensive line, tight ends & special teams coach
* [[Indianapolis Colts]] ({{nfly|1982}}–{{nfly|1984}})<br />Offensive line, tight ends & special teams coach
* [[Arizona Outlaws]] (1985)<br>Offensive line coach
* [[Arizona Outlaws]] (1985)<br />Offensive line coach
* [[Miami Dolphins]] (1986–2000)<br>Tight ends coach & special teams coach
* [[Miami Dolphins]] ({{nfly|1986}}–{{nfly|2000}})<br />Tight ends coach & special teams coach
* [[New York Jets]] (2001–2012)<br>Special teams coach
* [[New York Jets]] ({{nfly|2001}}–{{nfly|2012}})<br />Special teams coach
* [[New Orleans Saints]] (2017–present)<br>Special teams coach
* [[New Orleans Saints]] ({{nfly|2017}}–{{nfly|2018}})<br />Special teams coach
* [[Denver Broncos]] ({{nfly|2023}}–present)<br />Assistant head coach
| highlights =
| highlights =
| pfrcoach =
| pfrcoach =
}}
}}


'''Mike Westhoff''' (born January 10, 1948) is a [[special teams]] coach for the [[New Orleans Saints]] of the [[National Football League]] (NFL). Previously he coached for a number of teams, most notably for the [[New York Jets]] and [[Miami Dolphins]]. Westhoff is considered a "pioneering special teams coach" and his special teams units have generally ranked very highly in the NFL.<ref name="Westhoff extension">{{Citation|title=Mike Westhoff re-ups Jets deal |url=http://sports.espn.go.com/new-york/nfl/news/story?id=5446922 |work= |publisher=ESPN |author=Cimini, Rich |date=August 9, 2010 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5u7YzvaX1?url=http://sports.espn.go.com/new-york/nfl/news/story?id=5446922 |archivedate=November 9, 2010 |accessdate=November 9, 2010 |deadurl=yes |df= }}</ref><ref>Ryan, p. 133</ref> He retired after the 2012 season.<ref>{{cite web|title=Jets' search for new GM begins|publisher=[[The Wall Street Journal]]|date=January 5, 2013|url=https://online.wsj.com/article/APeca536958ed64aedadb78bdbf9eaa34a.html|accessdate=January 9, 2013}}</ref> He joined the New Orleans Saints as the teams Special Teams Coach in 2017.
'''Mike Westhoff''' (born January 10, 1948) is an [[American football]] coach who is the assistant head coach for the [[Denver Broncos]] of the [[National Football League]] (NFL). Previously, he coached Special Teams for a number of teams, most notably for the [[New York Jets]] and [[Miami Dolphins]]. Westhoff is considered to be among the greatest special teams coaches in league history.<ref name="Westhoff extension">{{Citation|title=Mike Westhoff re-ups Jets deal |url=https://www.espn.com/new-york/nfl/news/story?id=5446922 |publisher=ESPN |author=Cimini, Rich |date=August 9, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121105213237/http://sports.espn.go.com/new-york/nfl/news/story?id=5446922 |archive-date=November 5, 2012 |url-status=live |access-date=November 9, 2010 }}</ref><ref>Ryan, p. 133</ref>


==Coaching career==
==Coaching career==



===Miami Dolphins===
===Miami Dolphins===
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Westhoff joined the Jets staff in 2001 after spending the previous 15 seasons in a similar capacity with the [[Miami Dolphins]].
Westhoff joined the Jets staff in 2001 after spending the previous 15 seasons in a similar capacity with the [[Miami Dolphins]].


He stepped down as the [[special teams]] [[Coach (sport)|coach]] for the [[New York Jets]] in December 2007 after the final game.<ref name="DN">{{cite news | url=http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/jets/2007/12/31/2007-12-31_farewell_for_mike_westhoff.html | title=Farewell for Mike Westhoff | last=Youngmisuk | first=Ohm | date=December 31, 2007 | work=[[New York Daily News]] | accessdate=January 21, 2009}}</ref> On September 1, 2008, it was announced Westhoff would return to the Jets' sideline for the 2008 season in an undefined role.
He stepped down as the [[special teams]] [[Coach (sport)|coach]] for the [[New York Jets]] in December 2007 after the final game.<ref name="DN">{{cite news | url=http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/jets/2007/12/31/2007-12-31_farewell_for_mike_westhoff.html | title=Farewell for Mike Westhoff | last=Youngmisuk | first=Ohm | date=December 31, 2007 | work=[[New York Daily News]] | access-date=January 21, 2009}}</ref> 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.<ref name="Westhoff extension"/> 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.<ref name="Westhoff extension"/><ref>{{cite web | url=http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/01/26/mike-westhoff-will-return-to-jets/ | title=Mike Westhoff will return to Jets | first=Gregg | last=Rosenthal | publisher=ProFootballTalk.com | date=January 26, 2012 | accessdate=April 24, 2017}}</ref> Westhoff officially retired after the 2012 season.
On August 8, 2010, Westhoff received a one-year contract extension.<ref name="Westhoff extension"/> 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.<ref name="Westhoff extension"/><ref>{{cite web | url=http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/01/26/mike-westhoff-will-return-to-jets/ | title=Mike Westhoff will return to Jets | first=Gregg | last=Rosenthal | publisher=ProFootballTalk.com | date=January 26, 2012 | access-date=April 24, 2017}}</ref> Westhoff officially retired after the 2012 season.


===New Orleans Saints===
===New Orleans Saints===
On November 15, 2017 the New Orleans Saints had hired Westhoff to join their special teams coaching staff for the remainder of the 2017 season.<ref>[https://247sports.com/nfl/new-orleans-saints/Bolt/New-Orleans-Saints-hire-Mike-Westhoff-to-special-teams-coaching-position-110531548 "Saints make a sudden coaching hire"], [[247Sports.com]], November 15, 2017.</ref> The next day, Saints head coach [[Sean Payton]] said that Westhoff would be responsible for supervising all the special teams units.<ref>Herbie Teope, [http://www.nola.com/saints/index.ssf/2017/11/sean_payton_on_hiring_of_speci.html "Sean Payton on hiring of special teams guru Mike Westhoff: 'I felt like we needed help'"], ''[[The Times-Picayune]]'', November 16, 2017.</ref>
On November 15, 2017 the New Orleans Saints had hired Westhoff to join their special teams coaching staff for the remainder of the [[2017 New Orleans Saints season|2017 season]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://247sports.com/nfl/new-orleans-saints/article/new-orleans-saints-hire-mike-westhoff-to-special-teams-coaching-position-110531548/ | title=Saints make a sudden coaching hire | website=[[247Sports]] | first=James | last=Parks | date=November 15, 2017}}</ref> The next day, Saints head coach [[Sean Payton]] said that Westhoff would be responsible for supervising all the special teams units.<ref>{{cite web | first=Herbie | last=Teope | url=https://www.nola.com/sports/saints/article_4613a0ff-9434-5389-bb40-903cd8ee8273.html | title=Sean Payton on hiring of special teams guru Mike Westhoff: 'I felt like we needed help' | work=[[The Times-Picayune]] | location=New Orleans | date=November 16, 2017}}</ref>

Following the controversial loss in the [[2018–19 NFL playoffs#NFC: Los Angeles Rams 26, New Orleans Saints 23 (OT)|2018 NFC Championship game]] versus the [[2018 Los Angeles Rams season|Los Angeles Rams]], Westoff appeared on ''[[Mike's On]]'' radio show with [[Mike Francesa]] of [[WFAN (AM)|WFAN]]. On the program, he declared the result of that game as "the toughest loss of his long career".<ref>{{cite web | first=Dennis Jr. | last=Waszak | title=Mike Westhoff devastated by the missed call - says it was toughest loss of his long career | date=January 22, 2019 | website=Twitter | url=https://twitter.com/DWAZ73/status/1087808453953884160}}</ref>

===Denver Broncos===
Westhoff was hired to be the assistant head coach of the [[Denver Broncos]] under new head coach, [[Sean Payton]], on February 25, 2023.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.denverbroncos.com/news/broncos-announce-series-of-coaching-hires|title=Broncos announce series of coaching hires|work=DenverBroncos.com|date=February 25, 2023|access-date=February 25, 2023|first=Aric|last=DiLalla}}</ref>


==Personal life==
==Personal life==
In 1988, Westhoff was diagnosed with cancer of the [[femur]] in his left leg.<ref name="Cancer battle">Ryan, p. 134</ref> Originally, the condition was misdiagnosed and Westhoff was nearly fatally wounded after the doctor accidentally cut one of his arteries.<ref name="Cancer battle"/> 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.<ref name="Cancer battle"/><ref name="Bounce">{{Citation|title=The Bounce Is Returning to Westhoff’s Steps |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/09/sports/football/09westhoff.html |work=The New York Times |publisher=The New York Times Company |author=Bishop, Greg |date=March 9, 2008 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5ybkOxah0?url=http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/09/sports/football/09westhoff.html |archivedate=May 11, 2011 |accessdate=May 11, 2011 |deadurl=yes |df= }}</ref> A cracked bone graft in 2007, caused Westhoff to announce his departure from the Jets.<ref>{{Citation|title=New York Jets special teams coach Mike Westhoff, a cancer survivor, enjoying Super ride of life |url=http://articles.nydailynews.com/2010-01-22/sports/17944494_1_mike-westhoff-jets-training-facility-cancer-survivor |work= |publisher=New York Daily News |author=Brennan, Sean |date=January 22, 2010 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5ybkYcdmo?url=http://articles.nydailynews.com/2010-01-22/sports/17944494_1_mike-westhoff-jets-training-facility-cancer-survivor |archivedate=May 11, 2011 |accessdate=May 11, 2011 |deadurl=yes |df= }}</ref> In 2008, Westhoff entered the [[Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center]] to undergo a procedure to replace the missing femur with a titanium rod.<ref name="Cancer battle"/> After vigorous rehabilitation, Westhoff was able to walk again and returned to the Jets' sidelines in September 2008.<ref>{{Citation|title=Jets assistant battled through cancer, leg ailments |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=jc-westhoffhealth101209 |work= |publisher=Yahoo! Sports |author=Cole, Jason |date=October 12, 2008 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5ybkuFzy4?url=http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=jc-westhoffhealth101209 |archivedate=May 11, 2011 |accessdate=May 11, 2011 |deadurl=yes |df= }}</ref>
In 1988, Westhoff was diagnosed with cancer of the [[femur]] in his left leg.<ref name="Cancer battle">Ryan, p. 134</ref> Originally, the condition was misdiagnosed and Westhoff was nearly fatally wounded after the doctor accidentally cut one of his arteries.<ref name="Cancer battle"/> 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.<ref name="Cancer battle"/><ref name="Bounce">{{Citation|title=The Bounce Is Returning to Westhoff's Steps |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/09/sports/football/09westhoff.html |work=The New York Times |author=Bishop, Greg |date=March 9, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180106033519/http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/09/sports/football/09westhoff.html |archive-date=January 6, 2018 |access-date=May 11, 2011 }}</ref> A cracked bone graft in 2007, caused Westhoff to announce his departure from the Jets.<ref>{{Citation|title=New York Jets special teams coach Mike Westhoff, a cancer survivor, enjoying Super ride of life |url=http://articles.nydailynews.com/2010-01-22/sports/17944494_1_mike-westhoff-jets-training-facility-cancer-survivor |publisher=New York Daily News |author=Brennan, Sean |date=January 22, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120509211557/http://articles.nydailynews.com/2010-01-22/sports/17944494_1_mike-westhoff-jets-training-facility-cancer-survivor |archive-date=May 9, 2012 |access-date=May 11, 2011 }}</ref> In 2008, Westhoff entered the [[Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center]] to undergo a procedure to replace the missing femur with a titanium rod.<ref name="Cancer battle"/> After vigorous rehabilitation, Westhoff was able to walk again and returned to the Jets' sidelines in September 2008.<ref>{{Citation|title=Jets assistant battled through cancer, leg ailments |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=jc-westhoffhealth101209 |publisher=Yahoo! Sports |author=Cole, Jason |date=October 12, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121025214701/http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=jc-westhoffhealth101209 |archive-date=October 25, 2012 |access-date=May 11, 2011 }}</ref>


Westhoff is a native of the [[Pittsburgh]] suburb of [[Bethel Park, Pennsylvania]].<ref>{{Citation|title=Bethel Park native raises cane as Jets assistant |url=http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/05011/440231.stm |work= |publisher=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette |author=Finder, Chuck |date=January 11, 2005 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5u7ao4iBy?url=http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/05011/440231.stm |archivedate=November 9, 2010 |accessdate=November 9, 2010 |deadurl=yes |df= }}</ref> Westhoff has a son, John.<ref name="Bounce"/>
Westhoff is a native of the [[Pittsburgh]] suburb of [[Bethel Park, Pennsylvania]].<ref>{{Citation|title=Bethel Park native raises cane as Jets assistant |url=http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/05011/440231.stm |publisher=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette |author=Finder, Chuck |date=January 11, 2005 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110522032022/http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/05011/440231.stm |archive-date=May 22, 2011 |access-date=November 9, 2010 }}</ref> Westhoff has a son, John.<ref name="Bounce"/>


==References==
==References==
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==Bibliography==
==Bibliography==
*{{cite book|author1=Ryan, Rex |author2=Don Yaeger |title=Play Like You Mean It: Passion, Laughs, and Leadership In the World's Most Beautiful Game|publisher=Doubleday|location=New York, New York|year=2011|isbn=978-0-385-53444-4}}
*{{cite book|author1=Ryan, Rex|author2=Don Yaeger|title=Play Like You Mean It: Passion, Laughs, and Leadership In the World's Most Beautiful Game|publisher=Doubleday|location=New York, New York|year=2011|isbn=978-0-385-53444-4|url-access=registration|url=https://archive.org/details/playlikeyoumeani00ryan}}


==External links==
==External links==
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[[Category:People from Bethel Park, Pennsylvania]]
[[Category:People from Bethel Park, Pennsylvania]]
[[Category:1948 births]]
[[Category:1948 births]]
[[Category:Coaches of American football from Pennsylvania]]
[[Category:Indiana Hoosiers football coaches]]
[[Category:Dayton Flyers football coaches]]
[[Category:Indiana State Sycamores football coaches]]
[[Category:Northwestern Wildcats football coaches]]
[[Category:TCU Horned Frogs football coaches]]
[[Category:Indianapolis Colts coaches]]
[[Category:Arizona Outlaws coaches]]
[[Category:New Orleans Saints coaches]]
[[Category:Denver Broncos coaches]]

Latest revision as of 07:25, 15 July 2024

Mike Westhoff
Denver Broncos
Position:Assistant head coach
Personal information
Born: (1948-01-10) January 10, 1948 (age 76)
Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Career information
College:Wichita State
Career history
As a coach:

Mike Westhoff (born January 10, 1948) is an American football coach who is the assistant head coach for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League (NFL). Previously, he coached Special Teams for a number of teams, most notably for the New York Jets and Miami Dolphins. Westhoff is considered to be among the greatest special teams coaches in league history.[1][2]

Coaching career

[edit]

Miami Dolphins

[edit]

Westhoff was the special teams / tight ends coach for the Dolphins from 1986 - 2000.

New York Jets

[edit]

Westhoff joined the Jets staff in 2001 after spending the previous 15 seasons in a similar capacity with the Miami Dolphins.

He stepped down as the special teams coach for the New York Jets in December 2007 after the final game.[3] 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.[1] 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.[1][4] Westhoff officially retired after the 2012 season.

New Orleans Saints

[edit]

On November 15, 2017 the New Orleans Saints had hired Westhoff to join their special teams coaching staff for the remainder of the 2017 season.[5] The next day, Saints head coach Sean Payton said that Westhoff would be responsible for supervising all the special teams units.[6]

Following the controversial loss in the 2018 NFC Championship game versus the Los Angeles Rams, Westoff appeared on Mike's On radio show with Mike Francesa of WFAN. On the program, he declared the result of that game as "the toughest loss of his long career".[7]

Denver Broncos

[edit]

Westhoff was hired to be the assistant head coach of the Denver Broncos under new head coach, Sean Payton, on February 25, 2023.[8]

Personal life

[edit]

In 1988, Westhoff was diagnosed with cancer of the femur in his left leg.[9] Originally, the condition was misdiagnosed and Westhoff was nearly fatally wounded after the doctor accidentally cut one of his arteries.[9] 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.[9][10] A cracked bone graft in 2007, caused Westhoff to announce his departure from the Jets.[11] In 2008, Westhoff entered the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center to undergo a procedure to replace the missing femur with a titanium rod.[9] After vigorous rehabilitation, Westhoff was able to walk again and returned to the Jets' sidelines in September 2008.[12]

Westhoff is a native of the Pittsburgh suburb of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania.[13] Westhoff has a son, John.[10]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c Cimini, Rich (August 9, 2010), Mike Westhoff re-ups Jets deal, ESPN, archived from the original on November 5, 2012, retrieved November 9, 2010
  2. ^ Ryan, p. 133
  3. ^ Youngmisuk, Ohm (December 31, 2007). "Farewell for Mike Westhoff". New York Daily News. Retrieved January 21, 2009.
  4. ^ Rosenthal, Gregg (January 26, 2012). "Mike Westhoff will return to Jets". ProFootballTalk.com. Retrieved April 24, 2017.
  5. ^ Parks, James (November 15, 2017). "Saints make a sudden coaching hire". 247Sports.
  6. ^ Teope, Herbie (November 16, 2017). "Sean Payton on hiring of special teams guru Mike Westhoff: 'I felt like we needed help'". The Times-Picayune. New Orleans.
  7. ^ Waszak, Dennis Jr. (January 22, 2019). "Mike Westhoff devastated by the missed call - says it was toughest loss of his long career". Twitter.
  8. ^ DiLalla, Aric (February 25, 2023). "Broncos announce series of coaching hires". DenverBroncos.com. Retrieved February 25, 2023.
  9. ^ a b c d Ryan, p. 134
  10. ^ a b Bishop, Greg (March 9, 2008), "The Bounce Is Returning to Westhoff's Steps", The New York Times, archived from the original on January 6, 2018, retrieved May 11, 2011
  11. ^ Brennan, Sean (January 22, 2010), New York Jets special teams coach Mike Westhoff, a cancer survivor, enjoying Super ride of life, New York Daily News, archived from the original on May 9, 2012, retrieved May 11, 2011
  12. ^ Cole, Jason (October 12, 2008), Jets assistant battled through cancer, leg ailments, Yahoo! Sports, archived from the original on October 25, 2012, retrieved May 11, 2011
  13. ^ Finder, Chuck (January 11, 2005), Bethel Park native raises cane as Jets assistant, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, archived from the original on May 22, 2011, retrieved November 9, 2010

Bibliography

[edit]
[edit]