Former Denver Broncos coach Alex Gibbs, 80, has died following stroke complications, the team announced Monday. Surrounded by family members, Gibbs was at his home in Phoenix when he died.
The team released the following statement:
We are deeply saddened by the passing of Alex Gibbs, who had a profound impact on the Denver Broncos and the National Football League as an offensive line coach. During his 14 years with the Broncos, Coach Gibbs left a lasting legacy on this league with his innovative blocking schemes and outstanding teaching ability.
He helped the Broncos to Super Bowls during three different decades — including back-to-back World Championships — while forging a reputation as one of the greatest assistant coaches in NFL history.
Our hearts go out to Alex’s wife, Trina, and the entire Gibbs family as well as Alex’s many former players and fellow coaches.
Gibbs had three different stints with the Broncos, first as an offensive line coach from 1984-1987 and then as an assistant head coach/offensive line coach from 1995-2003. He returned for one season in 2013 as an offensive line consultant.
Gibbs, who was key in two of Denver’s Super Bowl wins, implemented a zone-blocking scheme that helped Terrell Davis rush for 2,000 yards in 1998. Even after Davis suffered a serious knee injury, Gibbs helped the Broncos produce four additional 1,000-yard rushers from 1999-2003.
Gibbs last coached in the NFL in 2013, when he helped Denver reach a Super Bowl for the third time in his career.
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