After seven seasons with the Jets, the most recent as their special teams coordinator, Ben Kotwica left the organization to take the same role with the Redskins.
The Redskins confirmed the move Wednesday.
Kotwica was one of at least six Rex Ryan assistants whose contract expired after the 2013 season, but he had received a contract offer to remain with the team, according to a league source.
The Redskins offer was believed to be more attractive to Kotwica, particularly with Ryan’s status very much in question, depending how the team does in 2014, the final year of his contract. In Washington he joins a brand-new staff under recently hired head coach Jay Gruden, so there is clearly more security there.
What the Jets do from here is anyone’s guess, but one has to wonder if Mike Westhoff, who was the Jets special teams coordinator from 2001-12 before retiring last year and giving way to Kotwica, would come back for the 2014 season.
“I have not been approached [by the Jets], although I’ve actually been talked to about several other jobs,’’ Westhoff said Wednesday. “I have not been interested [in other jobs]. I’m very happy with what I’ve done [broadcasting]. But I’m a person that doesn’t just say ‘never.’ So if [the Jets] did approach me I’m sure I would listen, but I’m not actively looking.’’
The chances are, though, the Jets will look to hire a coach younger than the 66-year-old Westhoff, who would probably want to coach for only one more year if he did rejoin the Jets.
Westhoff said Kotwica going to Washington “is absolutely not a lateral move,’’ adding, “It’s not like the Jets wanted to get rid of him and not like he was out looking all over. This opportunity came along and he felt it was a better opportunity for him and his family.’’
According to a league source, the Jets are believed to have offered new contracts to almost all — if not all — of their assistants with expiring contracts like Kotwica. The group includes defensive coordinator Dennis Thurman, and running backs coach Anthony Lynn.
As expected, running back Mike Goodson has pleaded not guilty to weapons possession charges in New Jersey.
Morris County prosecutors say Goodson entered the pleas during a brief appearance Wednesday in state Superior Court.