Broncos assistant head coach Mike Westhoff steps down following health scare, per report

Long-time NFL assistant coach Mike Westhoff is stepping away from the sidelines after a recent health scare, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. Westhoff was serving as assistant head coach for the Denver Broncos.

Westhoff had vision problems last week and underwent testing, including an MRI, on Monday, according to Pelissero. After that battery of examinations and conversations with head coach Sean Payton, Westhoff, who is 76 years old, made the decision to return to his home in Florida.

“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, according to Pelissero. “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.”

Through 10 games of the 2024 season, the Broncos are 5-5.

Westhoff began his coaching career at the collegiate level in the early 1970s and eventually made it to the professional levels in the early 1980s, joining the Indianapolis Colts staff in 1982. From then, he would coach at the pro level for three decades until a run with the New York Jets ended in 2012.

He did a brief stint with the New Orleans Saints years later before his most recent tenure in Denver.

A big coaching change happened in the NFL this week

The Chicago Bears (4-5) have fired offensive coordinator Shane Waldron just nine games into his tenure with the franchise, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reported Tuesday.

Thomas Brown, Chicago’s passing game coordinator who served as interim head coach for the Carolina Panthers (3-7) last season, will take over the play-calling duties for the final eight games of the season.

“After evaluating our entire operation, I decided that it is in the best interest of our team to move in a different direction with the leadership of our offense. This decision was well-thought-out, one that was conducted deliberately and respectfully,” head coach Matt Eberflus said in a statement. “I would like to thank Shane for his efforts and wish him the best moving forward.

“Thomas is a bright offensive mind who has experience calling plays with a collaborative mindset. I look forward to his leadership over our offensive coaching staff and his plan for our players.”