Michael Wilhoite Rejoins Denver Broncos After Criminal Charges Dismissed

The Denver Broncos are expected to rehire Michael Wilhoite as an outside linebackers coach, more than a year after firing him in connection with an arrest at Denver International Airport. All criminal charges against Wilhoite were dismissed and court filings sealed in June, clearing the way for his return to the coaching staff under Sean Payton. However, a civil lawsuit filed by the involved police officer remains unresolved and scheduled for trial in March 2027.

The Incident and Dismissal

Wilhoite was arrested on February 23, 2025, at a drop-off zone at Denver International Airport and faced three criminal counts: second-degree assault of a police officer, misdemeanor obstruction of a police officer, and misdemeanor criminal mischief. The Broncos terminated his employment within ten days of the arrest. Officer Jesus Galvan Chavez, who was allegedly punched in the face during the encounter, subsequently filed a civil suit against Wilhoite that remains active in the court system.

Charges Dropped, Questions Remain

According to his attorney Harvey Steinberg, all charges against Wilhoite were dismissed and related court records sealed. Despite the criminal case resolution, Wilhoite is not entirely cleared legally—the pending civil lawsuit represents ongoing civil liability for the officer's claimed injuries. If the two sides fail to reach a settlement, they are scheduled to proceed to trial in March 2027.

Returning to Familiar Ground

Wilhoite's rehiring makes strategic sense for Payton's organization. He previously coached Denver's outside linebackers in 2023 and 2024 under Payton and defensive coordinator Vance Joseph, establishing himself as a respected up-and-coming defensive coach. He brings prior experience as the Chargers' linebackers coach and worked under Payton in New Orleans during 2019 and 2020—a connection that matters given Payton's history of bringing back trusted colleagues. The Broncos' defense ranked third in the NFL in scoring during the most recent season as Denver went 14-3, won the AFC West, and reached the AFC Championship Game.