The Denver Broncos have fired outside linebackers coach Michael Wilhoite following his arrest for assaulting a police officer last month.
Wilhoite, 38, was recently booked for second-degree assault after an incident with a lawman, and the team has decided to part ways with him as a result.
Head coach Sean Payton announced as much in a statement this week. According to TMZ Sports, the HC met with the assistant coach and told him the team was distancing itself from him and his legal troubles.
“We recognize the serious nature of the allegations against him and believe this is the best course of action at this time,” Payton said.
Michael Wilhoite Accused Of Pushing And Punching A Police Officer
Michael Wilhoite reportedly got into a confrontation with an officer at the Denver International Airport on February 22. According to the officer’s account, he told Wilhoite he could not leave his vehicle unattended near arrivals and was told to “Shut the f**k up” by the linebackers coach.
The officer repeated his instructions and got the same response from Wilhoite, who he says bumped him in the chest and forced him back. The officer says he shoved Wilhoite, who in turn punched him in the face, causing him to fall to the ground.
Wilhoite managed to drive away despite getting tased.
The 38-year-old worked for the New Orleans Saints and Los Angeles Chargers before joining the Broncos in 2023.
The former undrafted linebacker played for the San Francisco 49ers and Seattle Seahawks from 2011 to 2017, having played his college football at Washburn University.
