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NFL Assistant Head Coach Steps Down Amid Health Issue

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nick Meyer | Last updated Nov 12, 2024 10:34 PM ET

The Denver Broncos played one of their better games of the season this past Sunday in Kansas City as they went toe-to-toe with the defending Super Bowl Champion Kansas City Chiefs, nearly pulling an upset victory in the process.

A blocked field goal attempt by Chiefs linebacker Leo Chenal gave the Chiefs a heart-stopping 16-14 home victory, sending coach Sean Payton's Broncos and his coaching staff back to the drawing board heading into Sunday's home game vs. Kirk Cousins and the Atlanta Falcons.

On Tuesday, the Broncos were greeted with more disappointing news as it was revealed by the NFL Network that assistant head coach Mike Westhoff has stepped down from his role with the team due to a potential health issue.

The news was broken by NFL reporter Tom Pelissero and viewed over 250,000 times as of Tuesday evening.

"Westhoff, 76, experienced problems related to his vision last week and underwent testing Monday, including an MRI," Pelissero wrote.

"After consulting with doctors and several positive conversations with Sean Payton, Westhoff made the difficult decision to head home to Florida."

Westhoff said that the decision was imperative because of his health status.

"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.

"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."

Fans reacted on X following the news.

"Bro what prayers up," one person wrote.

"Prayers for this wonderful man and great coach. Mike Westhoff is a legend!" another fan added.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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