One of Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton’s most trusted assistants has stepped down from his position with the team due to a health concern.
Broncos assistant head coach Mike Westhoff on Tuesday decided to step away from the team after he experienced a recent medical issue, according to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network. The 76-year-old had problems with his vision last week and underwent tests on Monday.
After consulting with doctors, Westhoff opted to leave the Broncos and return home to Florida.
“It’s not easy to make this decision, but this was a wake-up call that I needed to put my health first,” Westhoff said in a statement. “This team is very much headed in the right direction with a strong foundation and a winning culture. I’m grateful to Sean for giving me the opportunity to contribute to a first-class organization and wish the Broncos the very best.”
#Broncos assistant head coach Mike Westhoff has stepped down from his role to monitor a potential health issue, NFL Network has learned.
Westhoff, 76, experienced problems related to his vision last week and underwent testing Monday, including an MRI. After consulting with… pic.twitter.com/ax7iKLIgqy
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) November 13, 2024
Westhoff worked under Payton as a special teams coach with the New Orleans Saints in 2017 and 2018. He then joined Payton’s staff with the Broncos when Payton took the Denver head coach job last year.
Westhoff’s career coaching in the NFL dates back to 1982. He also worked as an assistant with several college programs prior to that.
Widely considered to be one of the best special teams coaches in NFL history, Westhoff spent the bulk of his coaching career with the Miami Dolphins from 1986-2000. He also had a lengthy tenure with the New York Jets from 2001-2012.
