Broncos fire assistant coach Wilhoite after assault charge

Michael Wilhoite will not return to the Denver Broncos.

The team’s outside-linebackers coach was dismissed by the team Wednesday in the wake of a second-degree assault charge stemming from an incident involving a police officer at Denver International Airport on Feb. 24, just before the NFL Scouting Combine got under way.

According to court records, Wilhoite is alleged to have punched a police officer before driving away from DIA’s departure area.

Per the court documents, Wilhoite left his 2021 Ford Bronco unattended in the departure area and was advised by police on the scene that he could not leave his car unattended. He allegedly told an officer, “Shut the [expletive] up,” and a shoving match followed before the alleged punch.

During the Combine last week, Payton said the team was “monitoring the process” regarding the incident.

“After thorough discussions as an organization, I met with Michael Wilhoite and informed him we have decided to part ways,” head coach Sean Payton said in a statement. “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.”

Hired by the team in 2023 as a part of Sean Payton’s initial coaching staff, Wilhoite had served four seasons as an assistant coach — two with the Los Angeles Chargers and two more with the New Orleans Saints under Payton — after playing seven seasons.

Wilhoite’s firing means another change for a coaching staff that has seen a slew of changes.

• Special-teams assistant Chris Banjo: Left to become Jets special-teams coordinator
• Tight ends coach Declan Doyle: Left to become Bears offensive coordinator
• Special-teams coordinator Ben Kotwica: Dismissed, now with Rams
• Inside linebackers coach Greg Manusky: Dismissed
• Pass-game coordinator John Morton: Left to become Lions offensive coordinator