The Overlooked Architects Finally Get Their Due

It’s about damn time. For years, the unsung heroes of NFL sidelines, the coordinators and position coaches who molded Hall of Famers and sculpted championship defenses, have toiled in relative obscurity when it came to Canton. But the Pro Football Hall of Fame is finally pulling back the curtain. Mike Westhoff, Bobb McKittrick, and Ted Cottrell will receive the Awards of Excellence for the 2026 class, and frankly, it’s a long overdue recognition for three men who fundamentally changed the game.

Look, you don't build dynasties without guys like these. Take Westhoff, the special teams guru. He spent 13 seasons with the New York Jets, from 2001 to 2012, and his units were consistently among the league's best. Remember the 2002 season? The Jets led the NFL in punt return average (13.7 yards) and kickoff return average (26.6 yards). That's not an accident; that's Westhoff’s meticulous planning and coaching. He brought a level of innovation to special teams that few had before, treating it as a third phase of the game, not just an afterthought. He coached a guy like Leon Washington, who in 2007, returned three kickoffs for touchdowns, including a 98-yarder against the Eagles. Those plays swing games.

Then there’s Bobb McKittrick. The man coached the offensive line for the San Francisco 49ers from 1979 to 1995. Think about that span. Joe Montana. Steve Young. Five Super Bowl rings. You think those legendary quarterbacks just magically had time to throw? McKittrick’s offensive lines were the backbone of that West Coast offense. They protected Montana through four Super Bowl victories, including Super Bowl XIX where he threw for 331 yards and three touchdowns against the Dolphins. His lines were known for their athleticism and technique, consistently opening lanes for backs like Roger Craig and Ricky Watters. They weren't just big bodies; they were technicians, and McKittrick was their master craftsman. His impact is immeasurable, providing the foundation for two different Hall of Fame quarterbacks.

And Ted Cottrell? He was a defensive mind for decades, starting his NFL coaching career in 1981 with the Buffalo Bills. He's most famous for his stints as defensive coordinator with the Jets (2001-2003), where his defenses were tough as nails. In 2001, the Jets defense ranked 4th in the league in total yards allowed, a significant jump from 20th the year before. He then went to the Vikings, and in 2004, his defense forced 28 turnovers, helping the team reach the playoffs. Cottrell’s schemes were complex, often confusing quarterbacks with varied blitz packages and coverage rotations. He coached Pro Bowlers at every stop, getting the most out of guys like John Abraham and Sam Cowart.

These awards are a crucial step. It acknowledges that football is more than just quarterbacks and head coaches. It’s about the intricate strategies and dedicated teaching that happens behind the scenes. My hot take? This is just the beginning. We’ll see a future class where a special teams coordinator or an offensive line coach gets a full, enshrinement-level induction. Westhoff, McKittrick, and Cottrell are opening that door.