BY NICK ST. DENIS
The New York Jets' (former) special teams coach, Ben Kotwica, wasn't under contract past the end of the 2013 season.
As it turns out, Kotwica found himself a new contract, but not with the Jets.
The Mike Westhoff protege signed on with the Washington Redskins this week, and Westhoff, the Jets' former long time special teams coach and one the best in the history of the game, didn't waste any time throwing his name back into the hat.
Westhoff retired prior to last season and told ESPN New York Wednesday that he's "happy with what I'm doing." However, the 66-year-old, who spent a dozen years with Gang Green, said he'd "certainly listen" if the Jets contacted him about a possible return.
"I'm no youngster, but I know I could," he said. ". . . I'm not looking to get back into coaching, but I'll always look at everything.
"I'll never say 'never.'"
The Jets always excelled on special teams under Westhoff, regardless of how the other two units fared in a particular season. New York's return game annually ranked among the best in the league, if not at the top. And special teams touchdowns, both in the blocking and return game, were a familiar sight.
Kotwica wasn't working with the best talent in 2013 and deserves more than one season as the top guy before we can draw any conclusion on what he is capable of. With that said, the Jets' third unit struggled at times, suffering the kind of leaks in protection and lack of explosiveness that weren't seen under Westhoff.
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