Broncos coach arrested after argument with police at DIA

Denver Broncos outside linebackers coach Michael Wilhoite is facing a single felony charge of assault after he was accused by police of punching an officer in the face at the drop-off line at Denver International Airport on Sunday.

Court records obtained by 9 News detail the incident of the 38-year-old, with police saying he pulled up to the departure area at the airport and left his 2021 Ford Bronco unattended. Police say they told Wilhoite twice he could not leave his vehicle unattended, and he responded by telling the office to “shut the (expletive) up.”  Wilhoite and the office then got into a shoving match, ending with the Broncos coach punching the person in the face, police alleged in documents.

The officer hit the ground and then tasered Wilhoite, who was getting into his car, police say. Wilhoite drove away after the cycle ended, according to the statement. Police say the officer had “visible injuries”, as well as jaw pain.

A $5,000 bond for Wilhoite was set by Magistrate Arnie Beckman during a hearing on Monday.

The 38-year-old Wilhoite has been with the Broncos since 2023, joining the team as a part of Sean Payton’s initial Denver coaching staff. He worked with Payton in New Orleans for two seasons (2019 and 2020) before a two-year stint on the staff of the Los Angeles Chargers as linebackers coach.

Before entering the coaching ranks, Wilhoite had a six-season playing career, with five seasons on the San Francisco 49ers — plus a brief stint on their practice squad late in 2011 — before concluding his playing career in Seattle in 2017.

The Broncos had their first double-digit sackers in six years on Wilhoite’s watch, as two of his outside linebackers — Jonathon Cooper and Nik Bonitto — hit that milestone. Cooper logged 10.5 sacks while Bonitto notched 13.5 sacks.