Broncos assistant head coach steps down for health reasons

Denver Broncos assistant head coach Mike Westhoff stepped down from his post Tuesday, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.

The 76-year-old reportedly experienced vision-related problems last week. He underwent testing Monday, including an MRI, Pelissero notes.

Westhoff decided to step down after he consulted with doctors and had several conversations with head coach Sean Payton.

"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 in a statement. "I'm grateful to Sean for giving me the opportunity to contribute to a first-class organization and wish the Broncos the very best."

Westhoff came out of retirement to join Payton's staff in February 2023. He'd previously worked with Payton as the Saints' special teams coach from 2017-18.

Westhoff's NFL coaching career started in 1982 when he was the offensive line, tight ends, and special teams coach for the Indianapolis Colts. He spent most of his career as a special teams coach for the Miami Dolphins and New York Jets.

"He's a fantastic teacher," Payton said last season, per the Denver Post's Ryan McFadden and Parker Gabriel. "I've said it before, if there was a Hall of Fame of special teams coaches, it would start with him."