Former Denver Broncos defensive coordinator Joe Collier died Monday at age 91.
The Broncos announced Tuesday that Collier passed away at his Colorado home. They issued a statement on their longtime coach, who spent 20 seasons with the organization.
“The architect of the famed Orange Crush defense, Joe Collier is one of the most impactful coaches in the history of the Denver Broncos and regarded among the best defensive coordinators of all-time,” the Broncos said. “He was an innovator in the NFL with his 3-4 defense, helping the Broncos to three Super Bowl appearances during a legendary career with our franchise that spanned more than two decades.”
A brief stint as the Buffalo Bills head coach started with an appearance in the 1966 AFL Championship Game.
Collier joined the Broncos in 1969 as a defensive backs coach. In 1977, his sixth season as defensive coordinator, Collier led Denver to its first Super Bowl behind a defense that allowed 10.6 points per game.
The Broncos won back-to-back AFC titles under Dan Reeves in 1986 and 1987.
“Intelligent, modest and soft-spoken, Collier provided steady leadership to five different head coaches as the Broncos emerged as perennial contenders in the 1970s and 1980s,” the team said. “His profound influence on countless players and coaches in Denver included 12 Broncos Ring of Famers, 11 Pro Bowl selections, and 2024 Pro Football Hall of Fame linebacker Randy Gradishar.”
Collier finished his coaching career as the New England Patriots defensive coordinator in 1991 and 1992.
“Collier’s loyalty to the Broncos extended beyond the playing field as a Ring of Fame Selection Committee member for more than 20 years dedicated to recognizing our all-time greats,” the Broncos said. “As we celebrate the extraordinary life and career of Joe Collier, our hearts go out to his three children (Joel, Julie and Lisa) along with his entire family and many friends.”