The Unsung Heroes Finally Get Their Due

You hear it all the time: offense sells tickets, defense wins championships. But what about the third phase? Special teams often get relegated to footnotes, a necessary evil, or worse, the place where coaching careers go to die. That’s why the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s decision to honor Mike Westhoff, Bobb McKittrick, and Ted Cottrell with the Awards of Excellence for the 2026 class feels overdue. These aren't just coaches; they’re architects of eras, innovators who shaped how the game is played.

Take Mike Westhoff. The man’s a legend. He coached special teams for the New York Jets from 2001 to 2012, and before that, with the Dolphins and Colts. During his tenure with the Jets, his units were consistently among the league’s best. Think back to 2008, when the Jets ranked first in the NFL in kickoff return average (26.6 yards) and third in punt return average (11.8 yards). Brad Smith became a household name returning kicks under Westhoff. He wasn't just about athletic returns, either. Westhoff’s units were known for blocking kicks – remember the infamous "butt fumble" game against the Patriots in 2012? Westhoff’s special teams unit blocked a punt in that very game. His influence wasn't just about individual plays, it was about creating competitive advantages that other teams simply couldn't replicate. He retired in 2012, but came back for a year with the Saints in 2017, proving his mind for the game never faded.

Then there’s Bobb McKittrick, the offensive line guru for the San Francisco 49ers from 1979 to 1999. Twenty years with one team. In that span, the 49ers won five Super Bowls. Five! You don't win five Super Bowls without a dominant offensive line, and McKittrick built those lines. He coached Hall of Famers like Randy Cross and Guy McIntyre. Look at the 1994 season, when the 49ers offensive line, under McKittrick, allowed a league-low 21 sacks on their way to a Super Bowl XXIX victory. Steve Young threw for 35 touchdowns that year. That protection wasn't by accident. McKittrick’s zone blocking schemes were ahead of their time, allowing for the quick-hitting passing game that defined the Niners dynasty. He passed away in 2000, but his fingerprints are all over those championship rings.

Ted Cottrell, the defensive mind. He spent over three decades coaching in the NFL, serving as defensive coordinator for the Bills, Jets, Vikings, and Chargers. Cottrell’s defenses were physical, aggressive, and often opportunistic. With the New York Jets from 2001-2003, his defenses consistently ranked in the top half of the league in turnovers forced. In 2001, the Jets defense under Cottrell had 26 takeaways, helping them to a 10-6 record and a playoff berth. He coached guys like John Abraham and Aaron Schobel to Pro Bowl seasons. He was known for his ability to adjust, to find weaknesses in opposing offenses and exploit them. His impact might not have the flashy headlines of an offensive coordinator, but his defenses won games.

Here's the thing: these Awards of Excellence are a nod to the fact that football is more than just the stars. It’s about the meticulous planning, the tireless coaching, and the strategic brilliance of guys who spent their careers in the trenches, literally and figuratively. Westhoff, McKittrick, and Cottrell never got the head coaching glory, but their impact on the game, and on the careers of countless players, is undeniable. I predict we'll see more coaches from these often-overlooked positions get this kind of recognition in the coming years. It’s about time.