About Damn Time: Westhoff, McKittrick, Cottrell Finally Get Their Due

It’s easy to get lost in the glitz of Canton. Quarterbacks throwing bombs, receivers making one-handed grabs, edge rushers terrorizing backfields. That's the highlight reel stuff. But the Pro Football Hall of Fame announcing Mike Westhoff, Bobb McKittrick, and Ted Cottrell for their Awards of Excellence in the 2026 class? That’s for the guys who truly built the game, the ones who shaped it from the sidelines, often without the fanfare. And frankly, it’s about damn time.

Let's start with Westhoff. The man is a special teams guru, plain and simple. He spent 32 years coaching in the NFL, 11 of them with the New York Jets from 2001 to 2012. You want a stat? During his tenure, the Jets consistently ranked in the top half of the league in special teams efficiency, often finishing top-5. Remember Leon Washington's two kick return touchdowns in 2007, or Brad Smith’s electric runbacks? That wasn't just raw talent. That was Westhoff's scheme, his meticulous preparation, his eye for detail that turned ordinary players into special teams threats. He made coverage units scary and returners dangerous. He even helped shape the career of Nick Folk, who kicked 104 field goals in four seasons under Westhoff. The guy practically invented modern special teams play, and I'd argue he had more impact on those crucial third phases than some offensive coordinators had on their entire units.

Then there's Bobb McKittrick. If you watched the 49ers in the 80s and 90s, you saw his work. He was the offensive line coach for the Niners from 1983 to 1999, meaning he coached every single one of Joe Montana’s and Steve Young’s Super Bowl teams. Think about that for a second. Five Super Bowl rings. The guy protected two of the greatest quarterbacks ever and opened holes for Roger Craig and Ricky Watters. Under his guidance, the 49ers consistently fielded one of the best offensive lines in football, allowing Montana to throw for over 3,500 yards four times and Young to eclipse 4,000 yards in back-to-back seasons in '93 and '94. He was known for his demanding style, but his players loved him because he made them better. He built the foundation for dynasty after dynasty. And let's be real, without a dominant offensive line, those legendary quarterbacks wouldn't have had the time to throw those perfect spirals.

And Ted Cottrell. A defensive mind through and through, Cottrell spent 24 seasons as an NFL defensive coordinator or assistant. He coached the Buffalo Bills' defense during their Super Bowl runs in the early 90s. Then he ran the Jets defense from 2001 to 2003, molding a unit that helped them reach the playoffs twice. In 2001, his Jets defense ranked 8th in the league in total yards allowed. Later, he took over the Minnesota Vikings' defense in 2004, and despite a revolving door at other positions, he always found a way to get his units playing tough. His career 4-3 schemes were always aggressive, always aimed at creating pressure and forcing turnovers. He was a master at developing linebackers and defensive backs, turning good players into great ones.

These guys aren't just names; they are architects. They designed the plays, taught the techniques, and instilled the discipline that won championships. They often toiled in obscurity compared to head coaches or star players, but their influence was just as profound. Westhoff revolutionized a phase of the game, McKittrick built an impenetrable wall for two legendary QBs, and Cottrell consistently fielded stout defenses. This recognition from the Hall of Fame is long overdue.

I still think the Hall itself needs to expand the number of these awards each year. There are too many deserving assistant coaches who shape the game without ever getting the spotlight. We could easily add a couple more names to this list every cycle.