Rarely do top assistant coaches or coordinators receive their flowers in the annals of NFL history. On rare occasions, though, truly exceptional men receive recognition.
That’s what has happened to former New York Jets special teams coordinator Mike Westhoff.
Hall of Fame attention
The 78-year-old is receiving the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s “Award of Excellence,” which honors significant contributors to the game, per ESPN’s Rich Cimini.
The Hall of Fame established the Awards of Excellence in 2022 to recognize significant contributors to the game in “behind-the-scenes” job roles. The program honors career assistant coaches, athletic trainers, equipment managers, film/video directors, and public relations directors who have made their mark across NFL history, as stated by the official .
Westhoff, after coaching for over 40 years, has finally been recognized by his NFL peers. Interestingly, his legacy with the Jets extends far beyond what he accomplished during his career.
The Pennsylvania native spent 11 years with the Jets as their special teams coordinator. It is the longest stop throughout his journey through the NFL.
Top performers like Leon Washington and Nick Folk thrived under Westhoff’s tutelage. Many Jets fans fondly remember Westhoff’s time with the team, most notably during the Eric Mangini and Rex Ryan eras.
However, it wasn’t just players who performed well under him.
A lasting legacy
Westhoff’s lasting legacy with Gang Green is currently on the sidelines for the team. Chris Banjo, the current coordinator for New York’s special teams units, enjoyed an incredible first season with strong years from both punter Austin McNamara and the return of Folk.
Returners Isaiah Williams and Kene Nwangwu each returned multiple touchdowns for the team as well. It’s something that has stood out to current Jets head coach Aaron Glenn despite the three-win season in 2025.
“Those guys can relate to him really, really well,” Glenn said about Banjo in December. “He was one of those guys who was a true special teams demon, so he understands how that part of our team has to operate.”
Banjo was an assistant coach under Westhoff in Denver before taking the top job in New York last season. He understood the key principles the elder coach had taught and even had him return to Florham Park at various points during the last training camp.
Banjo never played a down on special teams in New York. But as a coach, he was one of the few bright spots on the team in 2025.
That’s not just a feather in Banjo’s cap; he’s a great coach on his own accord. But it’s also further proof of Westhoff’s legacy as an NFL contributor and coach. He remains one of the greatest special teams coordinators in history.
Now, he gets his well-deserved reward in the Pro Football Hall of Fame — with a legacy that is currently still in the New York Jets organization.