Pro Football Rumors
Former Broncos outside linebackers coach Michael Wilhoite appears poised to return to the team, per CBS Sports’ Matt Zenitz. In February 2025, Wilhoite was arrested on suspicion of second-degree assault, and Denver fired him shortly thereafter. The criminal charges were dismissed last month, and Zenitz says the Broncos will likely bring back their deposed staffer.
The alleged incident took place at the Denver International Airport. A Denver police officer working on assignment told Wilhoite he could not leave his car unattended at a departure terminal. After cursing at the officer, Wilhoite allegedly bumped his chest into him. The officer is alleged to have pushed Wilhoite, at which point the former NFL linebacker is accused of punching him in the face. The officer then deployed his taser, but Wilhoite still drove off before being apprehended soon after.
That officer filed a civil suit against Wilhoite, and as Mike Klis of 9News relays, that case is still pending. Klis also says no agreement between Wilhoite and the Broncos has been finalized, though he acknowledges the dismissal of the criminal charges clears the way for a return.
At present, the Broncos’ website lists Isaac Shewmaker as the club’s outside linebackers coach. Shewmaker received a promotion in the wake of Wilhoite’s dismissal, so if Wilhoite were to return, it is unclear what his title would be. He would nonetheless be joining a staff tasked with extracting another strong showing out of a defense that finished first in the league in sacks (68), second in yardage, and third in points in 2025.
Becoming a six-year contributor out of Division II Washburn, Wilhoite suited up for the 49ers and Seahawks during his playing career. He started 45 games and saw action as a backup in six playoff contests — including Super Bowl XLVII with the Niners — during the 2010s.
Now 39, Wilhoite began his coaching career under Sean Payton – then the head coach of the Saints – in 2019. After two years in New Orleans, Wilhoite spent the 2021-22 seasons as the Chargers’ linebackers coach before being fired and joining Payton’s first Broncos’ staff as OLBs coach in 2023. Dennis Allen, who replaced Payton as New Orleans’ HC in 2022, interviewed Wilhoite for the Saints’ defensive coordinator post that year.
