The Denver Broncos have terminated outside linebackers coach Michael Wilhoite following his arrest on charges of assaulting a police officer. The incident occurred on February 23, 2025, at Denver International Airport, leading to serious legal and professional repercussions for the former NFL player turned coach.
Incident Details
According to reports, the confrontation began when Wilhoite left his 2021 Ford Bronco unattended in a drop-off lane at the airport. A uniformed police officer approached and informed him that vehicles could not be left unattended in that area. Wilhoite allegedly responded with profanity, telling the officer to “shut the f— up,” and then aggressively bumped his chest into the officer. When the officer pushed him back, Wilhoite reportedly punched the officer in the face, causing the officer to fall to the ground. Despite being tased, Wilhoite managed to get back into his vehicle and drive away. He was later arrested and charged with second-degree assault on a peace officer.
Broncos’ Response
In response to the incident, Broncos head coach Sean Payton released a statement announcing Wilhoite’s dismissal:
“After thorough discussions as an organization, I met with Michael Wilhoite and informed him we have decided to part ways. 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.”
Legal Proceedings
Wilhoite was taken into custody and booked into the Denver Downtown Detention Center. He appeared in court on February 24, where a judge set his bond at $5,000. The judge expressed concern over the escalation of a routine interaction into violence, noting that such incidents are uncommon and troubling. Wilhoite’s next court appearance is scheduled for March 10.
Professional Background
Before transitioning into coaching, Wilhoite enjoyed a six-season career in the NFL as a linebacker. He played five seasons with the San Francisco 49ers from 2012 to 2016 and one season with the Seattle Seahawks in 2017. Following his playing career, he began coaching, starting as a special teams assistant with the New Orleans Saints under Sean Payton in 2019. He then served as the linebackers coach for the Los Angeles Chargers in 2021 before joining the Broncos’ coaching staff in 2023.
Impact on the Broncos
Wilhoite’s departure comes at a critical time for the Broncos, who have been working to improve their defensive performance. Under his guidance, the outside linebackers showed significant progress, with players like Nik Bonitto and Jonathon Cooper achieving notable sack totals in the previous season. The team will now need to find a replacement who can maintain and build upon this momentum as they prepare for the upcoming season.
Looking Ahead
The Broncos organization has not yet announced who will assume the role of outside linebackers coach. The team is likely to conduct a thorough search to find a suitable candidate who can uphold the team’s standards both on and off the field. Meanwhile, Wilhoite faces legal challenges that could impact his future in coaching. The outcome of his court proceedings will likely play a significant role in determining his career trajectory.
This incident serves as a reminder of the high standards to which NFL personnel are held, both in their professional and personal conduct. The Broncos’ swift action reflects the organization’s commitment to maintaining its reputation and ensuring that all team members adhere to legal and ethical standards.
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