The Aaron Glenn-led New York Jets have kicked off training camp, and a familiar face will visit the team in the coming days.
According to ESPN’s Rich Cimini, former Jets special teams coordinator Mike Westhoff is set to arrive in Florham Park.
Earlier this offseason, Westhoff told ESPN’s Don La Greca that he would not be coaching again, but would instead assist Glenn with his coaching staff hires and volunteer his services to work with the team throughout camp.
Glenn played under Westhoff for one year, as they overlapped in New York during the 2001 season. They also coached together with the New Orleans Saints for two seasons (2017-18), while Glenn was the team’s defensive backs coach.
Westhoff also has a special connection with newly hired special teams coordinator Chris Banjo, who was his protégé for two seasons (2023-24) with the Denver Broncos.
One of the most effective special teams coordinators in NFL history, Westhoff gave Banjo a glowing endorsement.
“Chris Banjo made the transition from player to coach better than anyone I’ve been associated with,” said Westhoff per Cimini.
This season, Banjo looks to bring a new identity to the Jets’ special teams unit.
“Honestly, just competitive as hell,” said Banjo. “You see where special teams is going right now. Sometimes, I like to call it a lost art because not as many organizations really emphasize it, and I completely understand it. But I think we are very, very fortunate to have a head coach who really believes in the approach of special teams. So, when we step on the field, we just want to make sure we are competing every single play that we have the opportunity to do so.”
In a new role, Banjo looks to take a page out of Westhoff’s book this summer and thrive as New York’s special teams coordinator.
