Report: Broncos have parted ways with outside linebackers coach Michael Wilhoite

The Broncos have parted ways with outside linebackers coach Michael Wilhoite after he was arrested for assaulting a police officer.

According to 9NEWS Denver’s Mike Klis, the Denver Broncos have parted ways with outside linebackers coach Michael Wilhoite after he was arrested in February. Wilhoite was arrested in Denver and was booked on suspicion of second-degree assault of a police officer.

Broncos head coach Sean Payton released a statement thanking Wilhoite for his time with the team but announcing that they have decided to part ways.

“After thorough discussions as an organization, I met with Michael Wilhoite and informed him we have decided to part ways. 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.”

According to the probable cause statement, Wilhoite left his vehicle unattended in the second lane of the departure area at Denver International Airport. The Denver Police officer working on a curb assignment at the airport told him he could not park there. Wilhoite responded by telling the police officer to “shut the (expletive) up,” twice. The statement continues by saying that Wilhoite approached the officer, and bumped his chest into the officer, which caused the officer to shove him back. Wilhoite responded by punching the officer in the face, causing the officer to fall to the ground. TMZ adds that he punched him in the right side of the face with a closed left fist, forcing him to the ground.

Wilhoite then approached the officer and bumped his chest into the officer, causing the officer to step back, the statement says. The officer shoved Wilhoite back and then Wilhoite punched the officer, causing the officer to fall to the ground, according to the statement.

According to the statement, Wilhoite was later tased when he was returning to his car but would drive away after the effects of the taser wore off.

TMZ is reporting that the officer involved in this incident reported injuries to his knees, pain in his right jaw area, and possible internal ailments to his left wrist.

At the NFL Combine last week, Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton was asked about Wilhoite’s status with the team and he told reporters that they were monitoring the process.

“So look, we are where you are at right now. We are on top of it, relative to the local authorities as well as the league office. We are monitoring that process, and we will follow the proper protocols and channels. Right now, that is where it is at.”

Based on the police report, this seemed like the most likely outcome. Allegedly hitting a police officer and getting booked for assaulting a police officer will impact your job status, and that is what happened here.

Now, the Broncos have two linebacker coaching positions they need to fill. They fired inside linebackers coach Greg Manusky earlier this offseason and now parted ways with outside linebackers coach Michael Wilhoite. Neither position has been filled yet or at least announced, so the Broncos still have some work to do on the coaching front as we near the start of the new league year.