Former LA Chargers linebackers coach Michael Wilhoite was arrested Sunday and was booked in the Denver downtown jail for suspicion of second degree assault of a peace officer, per jail records. Wilhoite will appear in Denver court on Monday following the charge.
Wilhoite is the linebackers coach for the Denver Broncos, a role he has held since the 2023 season. Prior to his stint in Denver, Wilhoite spent two seasons as the linebackers coach for the Chargers under former head coach Brandon Staley.
The Broncos released the following statement about WIlhoite's arrest, per 9News in Denver: "We are aware of a situation involving Michael Wilhoite that occurred Sunday and are in the process of gathering more information."
Former Chargers LBs coach Michael Wilhoite arrested in Denver
According to 9News' source for the story, the arrest happened after Wilhoite dropped someone off at Denver International Airport. Wilhoite's court appearance is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. local time on Monday.
The Chargers fired Wilhoite following the 2022 season with then-defensive coordinator Renaldo Hill also leaving the team. Drue Tranquill and Kyzir White both had breakout seasons prior to hitting free agency while Wilhoite was on the Chargers' staff.
Former first-round pick Kenneth Murray did not enjoy the same success. Murray struggled during Wilhoite's entire tenure. To be fair. Murray struggled before Wilhoite was hired, after he was fired, and with the Tennessee Titans in 2024.
Staley hired Jeff Howard, who was the defensive backs coach/passing game coordinator for the Cleveland Browns, to replace Wilhoite as linebackers coach. Jim Harbaugh did not retain Howard, who is now the safeties coach for Mike Macdonald up in Seattle.
Former San Francisco 49ers linebacker NaVorro Bowman is the Chargers' current linebackers coach. Bowman and Wilhoite played together for five years on the 49ers from 2012 through 2016. Harbaugh coached both men for three seasons.