Report: Broncos Considering Mike Westhoff for Special Teams Coaching Role

The Denver Broncos are working to get Sean Payton's coaching staff hired and in place.

Since the Super Bowl, new Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton has accelerated his search for an assistant coaching staff. First thing's first, Payton has to get the coordinator positions filled. 

Rex Ryan, Vance Joseph, Sean Desai, and Kris Richard are in the mix at defensive coordinator, while Ronald Curry could land the gig on the offensive side. What about special teams coordinator, though? 

Former Broncos interim head coach Jerry Rosburg is still out there, but Payton seems to be of a different mind. Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer reported that the Broncos are considering former Saints special teams coordinator Mike Westhoff in some coaching role, and the man himself seemed to confirm as much on Twitter. 

Last ride in #jacksonhole before heading to @_DenverColorado to meet up with an old friend. #figureitout #nflcoach #specialteams #author pic.twitter.com/cWoorrUM3X

— Mike Westhoff (@STCoachMike) February 16, 2023

What happens next for the Broncos? Don't miss out on any news and analysis! Take a second and sign up for our free newsletter and get breaking Broncos news delivered to your inbox daily!

Like Rosburg, Westhoff is no spring chicken. Westhoff is 75 years old, but it's apparently a spry 75. 

Former Broncos safety Nick Ferguson went to bat for Westhoff on Twitter, gushing about the long-time special teams coach. 

"Had the pleasure of playing several seasons as a Special Teamer for Mike Westhoff. He’s one of best coaches that I’ve been around," Ferguson said on Twitter. "When it comes to getting results, he makes it happen. Fingers crossed that Sean Payton can make this happen. Broncos Country, LET’S FREAKIN GO!"

Had the pleasure of playing several seasons as a Special Teamer for Mike Westhoff. He’s one of best coaches that I’ve been around. When it comes to getting results, he makes it happen. Fingers crossed that Sean Payton can make this happen #BroncosCountry LET’S FREAKIN GO! pic.twitter.com/qL5kMucoGi

— Nick Ferguson (@NickFerguson_25) February 16, 2023

Westhoff's NFL coaching career began in 1982, and he served as Payton's special teams coach with the New Orleans Saints from 2017-18. That was his last year coaching. If Westhoff can resist the urge of retirement, the Broncos might have their new special teams czar. 

It's worth noting that Westhoff might not be hired as special teams coordinator, which is a very demanding, consuming job. It might be in some advisory or consultant-type role. 

Stay tuned. 

UPDATE: Per NBC's JP Finlay, the Broncos are set to hire Ben Kotwica as special teams coordinator. Westhoff might be joining in an advisory role, after all. 

UPDATE 2: According to ESPN's Jeff Legwold, the Broncos will hire Westhoff as an assistant.

"Have been told Mike Westhoff has signed deal to be assistant head coach for Broncos and will oversee special teams with Ben Kotwica having been hired as special teams coordinator... And Kotwica is now second former helicopter pilot to be Broncos ST coach -- so was Mike Priefer," Legwold tweeted. 

---

Follow Mile High Huddle on Twitter and Facebook.

Subscribe to Mile High Huddle on YouTube for daily Broncos live-stream podcasts!