Mike Westhoff, the Denver Broncos' assistant head coach, has stepped down from his role due to health issues.
His resignation comes after experiencing vision problems that affected his ability to perform in his position.
At 76 years old, Westhoff has had a long career in the NFL and was brought out of retirement by Broncos head coach Sean Payton in 2023.
Mike Westhoff Resigns from Broncos Coaching Staff
The Denver Broncos' assistant head coach, Mike Westhoff, made the difficult decision to resign from his position on November 12, 2024.
His departure comes as a result of ongoing vision concerns that have been a source of concern for both him and the team.
After seeking medical advice, the 76-year-old coach decided that resigning was the best course of action after experiencing blurred vision for the previous two weeks.
Westhoff was a key member of the Broncos' coaching staff, thus his resignation is a hard moment.
Despite his health issues, Westhoff's dedication to the club has never faltered, and his decision demonstrates that he is finally prioritizing his own well-being.
Westhoff's Vision Problems and Health Decision
Westhoff sought medical assistance when his visual issues started to bother him a few weeks ago.
In an effort to ascertain the cause of his blurry vision, Westhoff undertook a variety of tests, including an MRI.
He and the Broncos medical staff decided it would be best for him to leave his coaching position after his medical evaluation.
After meticulous consideration of the stress of his position and his health, this decision was made.
Given his old age and coaching obligations, it was determined that prioritizing his health was the best course of action for his well-being.
Payton Considers the Effects of Westhoff's Departure
Sean Payton, the head coach of the Denver Broncos, conveyed his concerns regarding Westhoff's health and contemplated the consequences of his departure.
Payton explained that Westhoff had initially been reluctant to share the extent of his vision problems, as he is known for his toughness.
However, over time, the situation worsened, and it became clear that medical attention was needed.
Payton highlighted the stress that coaching can bring, especially for someone of Westhoff’s age, and said that the team would miss his contributions.
Despite the tough circumstances, Payton praised Westhoff’s dedication and professionalism, emphasizing how much the team had benefited from his leadership.
Westhoff's Legacy and the Broncos’ Special Teams Success
During his time with the Broncos, Westhoff made a lasting impact on the team’s special teams unit.
Under his leadership and with special teams coordinator Ben Kotwica, the Broncos have ranked among the best in the NFL.
In the 2024 season alone, the Broncos have had 21 punts land inside the 20-yard line, a key indicator of their success in this area.
The development of a special teams unit that greatly improved the team's performance was made possible by Westhoff's leadership and experience.
He will be remembered for his contributions to the Broncos, which included the establishment of a competitive and powerful team.