Broncos Dismiss Coach Wilhoite, Hire Niedermeyer

The Denver Broncos are undergoing significant changes in their coaching staff, highlighted by the departure of defensive coach Michael Wilhoite, who was dismissed following allegations of assaulting a police officer at Denver International Airport. In response, head coach Sean Payton has hired Brian Niedermeyer, who recently stepped down as head coach at Tuscaloosa County High School, to join the Broncos' defensive staff. Niedermeyer brings prior experience from prominent college programs, including Tennessee, Alabama, and Georgia, although he faced sanctions from the NCAA during his tenure at Tennessee. His role with the Broncos marks his first position in the NFL. Payton has been restructuring his staff, having already lost several coaches to coordinator roles with other teams. This hiring reflects Payton's strategy of tapping into high school coaching talent, a move he has previously made with other staff appointments.