The Denver Broncos have parted ways with outside linebackers coach Michael Wilhoite after he was arrested last week on suspicion of second-degree assault of a police officer.
As Bounding Into Sports reported at the time, Broncos head coach Sean Payton is known for a “slow to hire, quick to fire” approach, making it likely Wilhoite would face the chopping block.
And that seems to be precisely what we’re seeing just 10 days later.
“After thorough discussions as an organization, I met with Michael Wilhoite and informed him we have decided to part ways,” Payton said in a prepared statement, according to ESPN. “We recognize the serious nature of the allegations against him and believe this is the best course of action at this time.”
“I appreciate Michael’s contributions to the Broncos and am confident he will move forward in a positive direction.”
Michael Wilhoite’s Charges Are Shameful
As per our previous reporting, Michael Wilhoite’s charges and the accompanying reports from police officers did not reflect well on him or the organization.
An officer allegedly told Wilhoite that he illegally left his vehicle unattended, only to be met with a less than cordial reply of “shut the (expletive) up.”
He said that twice, you know, in case the officer didn’t hear him the first time.
According to the police report, Wilhoite bumped the officer, prompting a shove in return. The Broncos LB coach allegedly then punched the officer, knocking him to the ground.
Broncos Coach Michael Wilhoite Arrested, Accused of Assaulting Police Officer | Click to read more 👇 https://t.co/pVaP664QVU
— TMZ (@TMZ) February 24, 2025
RELATED: Denver Broncos LB Coach Michael Wilhoite Jailed After Allegedly Punching A Police Officer
Look Back On His Career
Michael Wilhoite’s next court appearance is scheduled for March 10th in Denver County Court.
Wilhoite played six seasons in the NFL as a linebacker, spending five years with the San Francisco 49ers (2012-2016) and one with the Seattle Seahawks (2017). He racked up 298 tackles and four interceptions across 79 games.
After retiring, he transitioned into coaching, starting as a special teams assistant with the New Orleans Saints in 2019 under Sean Payton. He later served as a linebackers coach for the Los Angeles Chargers (2021-2022).
He joined Payton again in Denver, working as the outside linebackers coach for the Broncos since 2023. Until now, that is.
If convicted of a felony, or even if accepting a plea deal, should it be proven that he assaulted a police officer, Wilhoite will have a tough time finding work in the NFL ever again.