The Broncos are reportedly likely to bring back Michael Wilhoite in some capacity, a move that would restore a coach who already knows the building, the scheme and the players. It is a notable development after the charges tied to his February 2025 arrest were dismissed in June.
Wilhoite had been out of the Broncos picture since the fallout from that arrest, which led the team to move on from him 10 days later. With the criminal case now resolved, the expected return points to continuity on a staff that has already leaned on familiarity under Sean Payton and Vance Joseph.
Why Wilhoite matters to the Broncos
This is not just about bringing back a familiar name. Wilhoite previously coached Denver's outside linebackers in 2023 and 2024, so he does not need a long adjustment period to understand what the Broncos want from that room.
He also has a coaching history that stretches back to New Orleans under Sean Payton in 2019 and 2020, which makes him an easy fit within a staff that values trust and clear communication. In a league where defensive continuity matters, that kind of background carries real weight.
A resolved case changes the picture
The legal side of the story is central to why this return is now being discussed. Wilhoite was arrested at a drop-off zone at Denver International Airport in February 2025, and the charges from that incident were later dismissed in June 2026, with the court filings sealed.
That leaves the Broncos with a football decision rather than a legal one. If Wilhoite does come back, it would be after a little more than a year away from the role he previously held, and it would happen with a clean slate in terms of the dismissed case.
What comes next for Denver
The Broncos have already shown they can be a serious team under this staff, going 14-3 in 2025, winning the AFC West and reaching the AFC Championship Game before falling to New England. Joseph's group also finished third in the NFL in scoring, so preserving staff stability is hardly a minor issue.
Wilhoite's return would not change the fact that Denver has competition to manage and expectations to meet. But it would give the Broncos a coach who already understands the standards, the structure and the players, which is often exactly what a team wants when it is trying to keep momentum.
The civil suit involving Jesus Galvan Chavez is scheduled for trial in March 2027 if the sides do not settle, but the immediate football picture is much simpler. If the reported comeback happens, the Broncos will be bringing back a coach they know well at a time when continuity still matters.
