Former Jets special teams coordinator Mike Westhoff stepped down from his current role as an assistant head coach for the Broncos due to health issues.
NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported Tuesday evening that Westhoff, 76, made the decision to step down after several conversations with Broncos head coach Sean Payton and consultation with doctors.
Westhoff began experiencing “problems related to his vision” last week and had undergone testing, including an MRI, on Monday, according to Pelissero.
Westhoff’s eye symptoms popped up on the flight home from the Broncos’ 16-14 loss to the Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium, 9News in Colorado reported.
The football coach will now return to his home in 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 told Pelissero. “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.”
Westhoff is in the second season as an assistant with the Broncos after he was hired by Payton in February 2023.
New York football fans will remember Westhoff for his long stint with Gang Green from 2001-12.
Prior to his tenure with the Jets, Westhoff had served as special teams/tight ends coach from 1986-2000 with the Dolphins and then spent two seasons with Payton in New Orleans in 2017 and 2018.
Westhoff had retired twice previously, first after the 2012 season and then again after the 2018 season, which led to a five-season absence before he returned to team up again with Payton in Denver.
The Broncos are 5-5 this season and face the Falcons at home in Week 11.
