Michael Wilhoite‘s time in Denver is officially up after two seasons with the team. Wilhoite’s name is floating around in the headlines like a hot air balloon, but for the wrong reasons. The 38-year-old former Niners player ruined it all for himself a day before the team was to fly to Indianapolis last week. So, what’s the latest brewing in Sean Payton‘s squad?

Most of you would have known already that Wilhoite was arrested last week after allegedly cursing out and slugging a police officer at Denver International Airport. Now, a week later, HC Sean Payton stated that they will be parting ways with their OLBs coach. “After thorough discussions as an organization. I met with Michael Wilhoite and informed him we have decided to part ways,” said Sean. The Broncos HC told Mike Klis of 9NEWS that the team “recognizes the serious nature of the allegations against him and believes 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,” added Sean. The incident occurred when an officer on duty at DIA was keeping an eye on the area where passengers are dropped off. Michael parked his car in the second lane of the departure area, leaving it unattended. The officer told the Broncos OLBs coach not to leave his vehicle unattended. Wilhoite then said to the officer, “Shut the f— up,” as per the statement. After the officer repeated himself, Michael bumped his chest into the officer on duty.

Well, a brief moment of anger has now left the Broncos coach unemployed. So, now Sean Payton will have to find a replacement for Wilhoite. Speaking of which, the Broncos are reportedly hiring a high school coach.

Sean Payton’s coaching staff changes

So, after firing one coach from the defensive troop, Payton is reportedly hiring another. It’s not clear whether this new hire will be replacing Wilhoite or would have another responsibility. So who is the new addition to the Broncos’ defensive coaching camp? This time, Sean has gone to the high school level to find someone, and he has brought on board Brian Niedermeyer. The 36-year-old is the head coach at Tuscaloosa County High School. Brian not only has high school coaching experience but also some college coaching experience on his resume, having coached at Tennessee, Alabama, and Georgia.

As per a report by Matt Zenitz of CBS Sports, the Broncos’ HC will be hiring Niedermeyer as a defensive coach. Before taking the head coaching position at Tuscaloosa, Brian coached TEs and LBs as well. He has been in the coaching business for twelve years, and this will be his first time in the NFL. He exited Tuscaloosa just three months after getting hired last December.

Brian won’t be the only high school coach Payton will have on his coaching squad. The team also has Logan Kilgore on the offensive side. Kilgore is an offensive quality control coach along with Favian Upshaw. Logan was a QBs coach at Isidore Newman High School until the Broncos hired him in 2023.