Finally, Some Love for the Unsung Heroes of the Sidelines

It’s about damn time. For too long, the Pro Football Hall of Fame felt like it existed in a world where only quarterbacks, running backs, and maybe a few flashy pass rushers truly mattered. But the game, as anyone who’s ever spent a Sunday afternoon watching it knows, is far more complex than that. That’s why the recent announcement, honoring special teams guru Mike Westhoff, offensive line maestro Bobb McKittrick, and defensive mind Ted Cottrell with the Awards of Excellence for the 2026 class, feels like a real step in the right direction. These guys didn't rack up stats, but they shaped careers and won games.

Look, you don't build a dynasty or even a consistent winner without exceptional coaching at every level. Westhoff, for instance, turned special teams from an afterthought into a weapon. His work with the New York Jets from 2001 to 2012 was legendary. Remember Leon Washington’s 2007 season? Two kick return touchdowns, two punt return touchdowns. That wasn't just raw talent; that was Westhoff drawing up schemes, creating lanes, and instilling discipline. He also coached the Miami Dolphins’ special teams when they ran the "Killer B's" punt block unit in the early 90s, a unit that blocked a league-high eight punts in 1990. Miami won 12 games that year, largely on the back of such plays. His units consistently ranked top-tier in DVOA, year after year.

Then there’s Bobb McKittrick. If you wanted to understand how the San Francisco 49ers dynasty worked, you started with the offensive line. McKittrick coached that line from 1979 to 1999, a run that included five Super Bowl victories. Think about it: Joe Montana, Steve Young, Jerry Rice — none of them would have been nearly as effective without the trenches being handled. McKittrick groomed guys like Jesse Sapolu and Randy Cross, turning them into consistent Pro Bowlers and anchors for one of the most sophisticated offenses in NFL history. His lines were known for their zone blocking schemes, which were revolutionary at the time, helping the 49ers lead the league in total offense multiple times in the 1980s. He built a system, not just a collection of players.

And Ted Cottrell? The man called defenses for some seriously tough units. He was the defensive coordinator for the Buffalo Bills from 1998-2000, and in '99, that Bills defense finished third in the league in total defense, giving up just 285.4 yards per game. He then moved to the Jets, where his 2001 defense was a major reason they made the playoffs, finishing top 10 in both yards and points allowed. Later, he had a stint with the Minnesota Vikings, and while that team had its ups and downs, Cottrell always got his guys playing hard. He was a master of the 4-3 scheme, known for bringing pressure from various angles and developing linebackers.

Here's the thing: these guys were the architects. They didn't get the glory, didn't sign the massive endorsement deals, but their fingerprints are all over the greatest teams and players of their eras. This award isn't just a pat on the back; it's an acknowledgment that coaching isn't just about the head honcho. It’s about the silent work, the film study, the endless drills that nobody sees. My hot take? This is just the beginning. The Hall of Fame will eventually create a dedicated wing for these types of coaching legends, separating them from the player ballot entirely. It’s the only way to truly honor their impact without diluting the player pool.

They say offense sells tickets and defense wins championships. But special teams can flip a game on its head, and a dominant offensive line makes everything else possible. Westhoff, McKittrick, and Cottrell understood that better than anyone. They deserve this recognition, and I predict we'll see more coaches of their ilk getting their due in Canton much sooner than later.