Ex-Jet coach special find for Saints

Former Jets coordinator Mike Westhoff has joined the Saints’ staff to oversee their special teams, Sean Payton announced Thursday.

Westhoff served as the Jets’ special teams coordinator from 2001-12, working under three different head coaches — Herm Edwards, Eric Mangini and Rex Ryan — before retiring.

“A number of teams have reached out in the past to try to get him to come in and work,” Payton told local reporters on a conference call. “I felt like we needed help and I felt like he can bring a level of expertise to our groups. Sometimes, what can happen during success is you can lose track of where you’re needing to improve.”

Westhoff also coached the Dolphins’ special teams for over 20 years from 1986-2000. With the Saints, Westhoff, 69, will work alongside special teams coordinator Brad Banta and assistant special teams coordinator Kevin O’Dea.

“I didn’t work with him but clearly, in our league, his reputation of being an outstanding teacher as well as someone that has good thoughts, I think is going to benefit our group,” Payton said of Westhoff.

“I think it’ll benefit Brad and Kevin as well, just having a chance to work with a guy like this.” —Popper