Broncos Part Ways with Assistant Coach Following Airport Altercation

Denver Broncos Fire Coach Michael Wilhoite Following Alleged Assault on Police Officer

The Denver Broncos have officially parted ways with outside linebackers coach Michael Wilhoite following his alleged assault on a police officer at Denver International Airport. The decision was confirmed by head coach Sean Payton, who stated that after internal discussions, the organization determined it was in the team’s best interest to move on. Wilhoite, 38, had been with the Broncos for two seasons and was reportedly under consideration for a new role coaching inside linebackers before the incident.

According to police reports, the altercation occurred on February 23 when Wilhoite left his car unattended in the airport’s arrivals lane. When a uniformed officer informed him that he couldn’t leave his vehicle there, Wilhoite allegedly responded with profanities, aggressively approached the officer, and then punched him in the face. The officer deployed a taser, striking Wilhoite near his left hip, but Wilhoite managed to get back into his vehicle and drive away. The officer reportedly suffered visible injuries, including abrasions on his knees and jaw pain.

The timing of the incident was particularly disruptive, as it took place the day before much of the Broncos’ coaching staff was scheduled to travel to Indianapolis for the NFL Scouting Combine. Wilhoite had been under consideration for a positional coaching change, but his legal troubles ultimately led to his dismissal from the organization.

Before joining the Broncos, Wilhoite played seven seasons in the NFL as a linebacker for the San Francisco 49ers and Seattle Seahawks. After retiring as a player, he transitioned into coaching, starting with the New Orleans Saints under Sean Payton as a special teams and defensive assistant. He later served as the inside linebackers coach for the Los Angeles Chargers from 2021-2022 before reuniting with Payton in Denver.

With Wilhoite now out of the picture, the Broncos will need to find a replacement for their linebackers coaching position. Meanwhile, Wilhoite faces potential legal consequences stemming from the altercation, casting doubt on his immediate future in the NFL.