Beyond the Ring: Hall of Fame Finally Recognizes the Unsung Architects

The Pro Football Hall of Fame just made a move that’s been a long time coming. Mike Westhoff, Bobb McKittrick, and Ted Cottrell are getting the Awards of Excellence for the 2026 class. Real talk, these are the guys whose fingerprints are all over some of the most dominant teams in NFL history, yet their names rarely get shouted from the mountaintops like the quarterbacks or pass rushers.

Let's start with Westhoff. The man coached special teams for 31 years in the NFL. Think about that for a second. He spent 11 seasons with the New York Jets, and before that, he had stints with the Dolphins and Colts. Remember when the Jets were consistently blocking punts and kicks? Westhoff was the architect. In 2008, under Westhoff, the Jets' special teams ranked third in the league in DVOA (Defense-adjusted Value Over Average), a testament to their consistent execution. His units were always disciplined, always dangerous. He took raw athletes and turned them into special teams assassins. Look, without guys like Westhoff optimizing every single snap, teams don't win those tight, playoff-defining games.

Then there’s Bobb McKittrick. The man coached the 49ers offensive line from 1979 to 1990. He was there for all five Super Bowl wins. Five. Think about the quarterbacks he protected: Joe Montana, Steve Young. Think about the running backs he opened holes for: Roger Craig, Tom Rathman. In 1988, Craig rushed for 1,000 yards and caught 76 passes for another 1,000 yards – the first player in NFL history to do so. That doesn't happen without a dominant, well-coached offensive line. McKittrick’s zone blocking schemes were revolutionary for their time. He famously said, "If you don't play hard, you don't play." His lines embodied that mentality. They were a brick wall for those dynastic 49ers teams.

And Ted Cottrell? He's spent over two decades as an NFL defensive coach, including defensive coordinator roles with the Bills, Jets, Vikings, and Chargers. He was the defensive coordinator for the New York Jets from 2001 to 2003. In 2002, his Jets defense ranked fourth in the league in total defense, allowing just 294.6 yards per game. They had a knack for creating turnovers, too, forcing 31 that season. Cottrell always had his defenses playing aggressive, smart football. He got the most out of guys like John Abraham and Aaron Schobel. He understood how to build a defense that could adapt to different offensive schemes. His impact was felt across multiple franchises, shaping defensive identities for years.

These guys aren't just good coaches; they're foundational figures. They built the engines and mechanisms that allowed Hall of Fame players to shine even brighter. It’s easy to celebrate the quarterbacks and receivers who score the touchdowns, but without the precision of a Westhoff special teams unit, or the impenetrable wall built by McKittrick’s offensive line, or the strategic genius of Cottrell’s defense, those touchdowns wouldn't happen.

My hot take? The Hall of Fame needs to expand this Award of Excellence category even further. There are too many unsung heroes in coaching, scouting, and front office roles who shaped the game as much as any player. This is a good start, but it's just a start.

I predict that within the next decade, we'll see more coaches like these, who weren't head coaches but were absolutely vital, get their due recognition in Canton.