The Denver Broncos are still in the process of trying to finalize their coaching staff for the 2025 season, but head coach Sean Payton will have to make an additional hire on the defensive side of the ball after the team moved on from outside linebacker coach Michael Wilhoite following his recent arrest.
Denver Broncos part ways with Michael Wilhoite following arrest
The Denver Broncos and head coach Sean Payton made the decision on Wednesday to part ways with second-year outside linebacker coach Michael Wilhoite following his recent arrest.
ICYMI: Broncos ‘hungry for more’ heading into 2025
Wilhoite was arrested last month on suspicion of assaulting a police officer at the Denver International Airport.
As referenced in a document obtained initially by 9News:
“According to a probable cause statement, a Denver Police officer working on curb assignment at DIA noticed Wilhoite pull up into the second lane of the departure area and leave his gray 2021 Ford Bronco unattended. When Wilhoite returned to his vehicle the officer told him he could not leave his vehicle unattended. Wilhoite told the officer to “shut the (expletive) up,” the probable cause statement says. The officer told Wilhoite again that he could not leave his vehicle unattended and Wilhoite gave the officer the same reply, according to the probable cause statement. Wilhoite then approached the officer and bumped his chest into the officer, causing the officer to step back, the statement says. The officer shoved Wilhoite back and then Wilhoite punched the officer, causing the officer to fall to the ground, according to the statement. As Wilhoite got into his car, the officer used his taser, according to police. After the cycle of the taser ended, Wilhoite closed the door and drove away, the statement says.”
Broncos ownership and Payton monitored the situation closely and ultimately decided to part ways with Wilhoite on Wednesday, as first reported by Mike Klis.
Payton issued a statement through the team regarding the situation.
“After thorough discussions as an organization, I met with Michael Wilhoite and informed him we have decided to part ways,” Payton said. “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.”
Wilhoite coached a Broncos outside linebacker group that helped contribute to the team setting a franchise record of 63 sacks, including outside linebackers Nik Bonitto and Jonathon Cooper, each recording 10+ sacks in 2024. That group will now wait for a new position coach to be hired by Payton, which could come internally but will likely feature consideration of several outside candidates as well.