The Denver Broncos have formally severed ties with linebackers coach Michael Wilhoite, mere days after his arrest for reportedly assaulting a police officer.

Head coach Sean Payton confirmed the move, noting the seriousness of the allegations as the main factor behind the team's swift action.

Broncos Address Wilhoite's Dismissal

Denver Broncos Part Ways With Assistant Coach Michael Wilhoite After Denver Broncos Part Ways With Assistant Coach Michael Wilhoite After
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According to CBS Sports, the jail records indicated that Wilhoite was booked on Sunday, Feb. 23—the date when he was arrested due to second-degree assault of a police officer.

Now, the Broncos organization had to make a move to make sure Wilhoite would learn a lesson from the mishap that he had caused.

In a statement, Sean Payton outlined the organization's position regarding Wilhoite's legal issue.

"We recognize the serious nature of the allegations against him and believe this is the best course of action at this time," Payton said on Wednesday, March 5. "I appreciate Michael's contributions to the Broncos and am confident he will move forward in a positive direction."

Wilhoite's release is at the same time that his fight with police is being investigated. His presence on the Broncos was already in question, and this situation pushed them in that direction.

What Happened at the Airport

Wilhoite, 38, was taken into custody on Feb. 22 at the Denver International Airport and was charged with second-degree assault. Authorities say he had a heated argument with an officer on the East arrivals level after he was told to move his 2021 Ford Bronco.

According to TMZ Sports, the police report states that Wilhoite supposedly used profanity before things escalated physically.

The officer stated that Wilhoite had repeatedly said to him, "Shut the f* up"** before roughly bumping into him in the chest, and the officer stepped back. The officer then pushed Wilhoite, according to reports, whereupon Wilhoite purportedly punched him in the face, sending him to the ground.

A taser was used to subdue Wilhoite, but he drove away from the scene in his car before he could be arrested.

Who is Wilhoite?

Wilhoite started his coaching career in 2019 with the New Orleans Saints and then the Los Angeles Chargers before joining the Broncos in 2023.

Before becoming a coach, Wilhoite had played as a linebacker in the NFL from 2011 until 2017. An undrafted free agent from Washburn University, Wilhoite was mostly with the San Francisco 49ers and had a brief period with the Seattle Seahawks.

Due to the assault, Wilhoite risks severe consequences that may affect his future in the NFL. The Broncos' quick action indicates that they are being hard-liners against off-field misbehavior, upholding their resolve to have a well-disciplined and professional culture.