National Football League

Fiery Westhoff rebuilding Jets' special teams unit

Published May. 28, 2010 7:31 p.m. ET

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Mike Westhoff was in midseason form, growling at his players and using some choice words to stress his point.

It's only May, but the New York Jets' special teams coordinator needs to be intense. He's rebuilding a unit that lost several key members from last season, including the kicker, long snapper and special teams ace.

``There are some big, big challenges,'' Westhoff told The Associated Press. ``We all have challenges, but I probably have the biggest. Yet, I have no lack of confidence thinking that I can't do it. It can be frustrating, but I think I see the whole picture.''

That being that the NFL is a business, and teams lose significant players every season because of financial decisions or changes in philosophy. Roster turnover is just part of it, something Westhoff has experienced quite a bit in nearly 30 years coaching in the NFL.

``I'm used to it,'' Westhoff said. ``It's part of the system. We probably have a smaller pool from which to draw because of some of the moves we've made. And, that's OK. I think for the most part, most of the guys, I feel pretty good about.''

For coach Rex Ryan, having Westhoff means he doesn't need to worry about special teams - no matter what the roster looks like.

``There's no better guy in the league to have than Westy,'' Ryan said. ``It's great as a head coach (when) you can lay your head on that pillow knowing you're going to be able to protect the punter, knowing you're going to be able to cover kicks.''

Adversity is nothing new for the 62-year-old Westhoff, who has battled back from cancer in his left leg and several subsequent operations. He's in his 10th season with the Jets and 28th in the NFL, and has long been regarded as one of the league's special teams gurus.

``He's pretty straightforward and holds nothing back or sugar coats anything,'' linebacker Lance Laury said.

Westhoff said the Jets' special teams unit ranked fifth last season and could have been No. 1 if not for two 100-yard returns by Miami's Ted Ginn Jr.

``It's only two plays,'' he said, ``but they still bother me.''

The biggest question Westhoff faces might be whether Nick Folk will be able to replace Jay Feely, who went to Arizona after not being re-signed by New York. Folk was a Pro Bowl pick as a rookie in 2007, but struggled through last season after he had a torn labrum in his right hip repaired in the offseason.

``Nick has been a guy who we've made a couple of adjustments, not with his technique, but his alignment,'' Westhoff said. ``I feel very good about that. He's coming off not a great year, but we'll see. So far, he's done OK.''

There's also the issue of long snapper after veteran James Dearth was not re-signed. Dearth was consistently good in his nine seasons with the Jets, but the team opted to go younger at that spot and signed Tanner Purdum.

``He's a very good snapper,'' Westhoff said of Purdum. ``He can snap. Now, will he hold up under the pressure and is he strong enough? We're going to find all those things out. He's got some basics. We're going to put him in that position and let him compete for it.''

One mostly overlooked move during the offseason was the Jets allowing Wallace Wright to sign with Carolina as a free agent. Wright was a spot player on offense as a wide receiver, but played one of the most important roles on special teams as the flyer or gunner. Westhoff is looking at using speedy wide receiver David Clowney as Wright's replacement.

``I know I can do it,'' Clowney said. ``That's not a question. I come from a special teams college at Virginia Tech. I started at flyer for my last two years of college. It's something I'm not new to.''

It could mean the difference between being cut or remaining on the roster. With Jerricho Cotchery, Braylon Edwards, Santonio Holmes and Brad Smith ahead of him on the depth chart, Clowney needs to show he can be versatile.

``I'm giving him every opportunity,'' Westhoff said.

Westhoff said punter Steve Weatherford is kicking the ball the best he's seen. He's also excited about the prospect of having Smith return kicks on a regular basis after averaging 30.1 yards on 10 returns last season.

First-round pick Kyle Wilson also is expected to have a large role on special teams, as are Laury, Eric Smith, James Ihedigbo, Dwight Lowery and Marquice Cole. Speedy cornerback Antonio Cromartie also might be used by Westhoff.

``I've got my work cut out for me,'' Westhoff said. ``But, I think we have a chance with the guys we've got.''

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