ENGLEWOOD, Colo. -- The Denver Broncos fired outside linebackers coach Michael Wilhoite on Wednesday, just over a week after he was arrested for allegedly punching a police officer at Denver International Airport.
"After thorough discussions as an organization, I met with Michael Wilhoite and informed him we have decided to part ways," Broncos head coach Sean Payton said in a prepared 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.''
When asked last week at the scouting combine about Wilhoite's arrest, Payton said the Broncos had been in contact with law enforcement officials and the NFL about the incident and that he and the team would follow "proper protocols and channels'' before a decision was made about Wilhoite's future.
The 38-year-old Wilhoite, according to court records, was arrested Feb. 23 for allegedly punching a police officer after Wilhoite had been told he could not leave his Ford Bronco unattended in a drop-off lane at airport. Wilhoite, according to documents, told the officer to "shut the f--- up" and bumped his chest into the officer. When the officer pushed him, Wilhoite punched the officer in the face and the officer fell to the ground, the documents said.
The officer used a taser on Wilhoite, who then drove away. The officer was listed with injuries to his knees, wrist and jaw.
Wilhoite was taken to the Denver jail later that day and had a court hearing on Feb. 24. He was formally charged with second-degree assault on a police officer, obstruction of a peace officer and criminal mischief.
Wilhoite had been on Payton's staff with the New Orleans Saints in 2019 and 2020. He had been on the Broncos' staff for the past two seasons. Wilhoite played six seasons in NFL -- five for the San Francisco 49ers and one for the Seattle Seahawks.