Pittsburgh Steelers Hire New Assistant Special Teams Coach, Officials Confirm
The Pittsburgh Steelers have appointed Mike Westhoff as their new assistant special teams coach, according to a team announcement on June 12, 2024. Westhoff, who previously served as a special teams coordinator for the New England Patriots, joins the organization after a 12-year tenure with the Baltimore Ravens, where he helped develop one of the NFL’s most consistent special teams units.
Who Is Mike Westhoff?
Westhoff, 53, began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at the University of Maryland before ascending through the ranks in the NFL. His most recent role with the Ravens saw the team rank in the top five for special teams efficiency in three of his final four seasons, per Pro Football Focus. The Steelers’ decision to hire him follows the departure of Anthony Troup, who left to become the special teams coordinator for the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Why This Hire Matters for the Steelers
The appointment comes as the Steelers aim to strengthen their special teams unit, which ranked 22nd in the league in 2023, according to ESPN’s advanced metrics. Westhoff’s experience with the Patriots, known for their disciplined and high-performing special teams, could provide a strategic boost. “His track record with elite special teams programs aligns with our goals,” said Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin in a statement.
What’s Next for the Steelers’ Coaching Staff?
Westhoff’s role will involve overseeing kick coverage, punt returns, and special teams strategy, a position previously held by Troup. The team has not yet announced whether they will retain any of Troup’s assistants, but sources familiar with the decision say the focus is on “building continuity” while integrating Westhoff’s systems. The Steelers’ special teams have struggled with consistency in recent years, finishing with a -1.2 net punt return average in 2023, the 10th-worst in the league.
How Does This Compare to Past Coaching Moves?
The Steelers’ hiring of Westhoff mirrors their 2021 decision to bring in Troup, who had previously worked with the Kansas City Chiefs. Like Troup, Westhoff brings a reputation for fostering player development, particularly in the return game. However, unlike Troup, who joined the Jaguars after two seasons in Pittsburgh, Westhoff’s experience with the Patriots—known for their emphasis on special teams as a competitive edge—could signal a shift in the team’s approach.
What Fans Should Know
While Westhoff’s full impact will take time to assess, his appointment is seen as a step toward stabilizing the Steelers’ special teams. The team’s special teams unit has been a liability in critical games, including a 2023 playoff loss where a missed field goal and a blocked punt contributed to the defeat. Fans will be watching closely as Westhoff works with players like return specialist Diontae Johnson and kicker Chris Boswell to address these issues.
Key Takeaways
- The Steelers hired Mike Westhoff as their new assistant special teams coach, replacing Anthony Troup.
- Westhoff’s experience with elite NFL special teams units, including the Patriots and Ravens, is expected to elevate the Steelers’ performance.
- The move comes as the team seeks to address inconsistencies in their special teams, which ranked 22nd in 2023.
- Westhoff’s focus will include kick coverage, punt returns, and strategic development, with an emphasis on player growth.
Related reading