Broncos bring back assistant coach who was let go after being arrested

The Denver Broncos have rehired Michael Wilhoite as a defensive assistant coach, giving the former outside linebackers coach a second chance over a year after his arrest led to his firing.

Wilhoite was let go by the Broncos on March 5, 2025, after he was involved in a parking dispute at Denver International Airport where he was arrested for allegedly punching a police officer. He was charged on three counts – second-degree felony assault on a police officer, misdemeanor obstruction of a police officer and misdemeanor criminal mischief.

His attorney, Harvey Steinberg, had all three charges dismissed.

“The court filings have been sealed,” Steinberg told 9NEWS.

That development cleared the way for Wilhoite’s return to head coach Sean Payton’s staff under defensive coordinator Vance Joseph.

The Broncos have officially rehired Michael Wilhoite as an assistant coach, a source tell 9NEWS. https://t.co/c11VsDBroB

— 9NEWS Sports Denver (@9NEWSSports) July 28, 2026

Wilhoite’s exact role with the team isn’t entirely clear. His previous position as outside linebackers coach has already been filled by Isaac Shewmaker, who took over the role after Wilhoite’s departure. Whatever the title, Wilhoite will rejoin a defensive staff that he was part of for two seasons before the incident derailed his career.

While the charges have been resolved, the situation isn’t entirely behind him. 9NEWS’ Mike Klis reported that Wilhoite is currently dealing with a civil lawsuit filed against him by the Denver police officer he allegedly struck during the DIA parking dispute.

The rehiring is a notable move by the Broncos organization, showing a willingness to welcome back a coach who was a valued member of the defensive staff before his legal troubles. Wilhoite, a former NFL linebacker who played for the San Francisco 49ers and Seattle Seahawks, brings years of playing and coaching experience back to a Denver defense looking to build on last season’s progress.

Now, Wilhoite gets a fresh start in a building he knows well, hoping to put a turbulent chapter behind him and get back to the work of coaching football.

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