Mike Westhoff was a great special teams coach for the New York Jets for a long time. Westhoff spent 12 years with the Jets leading the special teams unit from 2001-12. He was instrumental in the Jets’ back-to-back AFC Championship runs in 2009 and 2010.
Westhoff’s background:
Westhoff coached a total of 32 years in the NFL. He spent his first three years with the Indianapolis Colts. Shortly after, Westhoff enjoyed a 15-year run with the Miami Dolphins before joining the Jets. He spent his last two years with the New Orleans Saints in 2017-18. Westhoff is respected as one of the best special teams coaches in NFL history.
Westhoff’s success with the Jets:
During his time with the Jets, Westhoff had some returners who played at a high level. Talented kick returners Brad Smith, Leon Washington, Joe McKnight, and Justin Miller all attained success under Westhoff’s coaching.
In the Wild Card win in Indianapolis during the 2010 season, Westhoff put Antonio Cromartie back as the kick returner late in the game, with the Jets needing a field goal. Cromartie ended up with a huge return of over 40 yards putting the Jets in a great position to win the game with a kick by Nick Folk.
About the book:
The book is titled “Figure It Out.” Westhoff was with the Jets under multiple head coaches, from Herm Edwards to Eric Mangini and Rex Ryan. Westhoff was also with the team all of Mike Tannenbaum’s seven years as general manager. There should be should great insight into what those Jets teams were like. Westhoff played a key role in those winning times the Jets had, and his legacy on special teams will always be remembered.
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