NFL enthusiasts expressed their sentiments on social media on Tuesday, commemorating the passing of a former Buffalo Bills head coach who left an indelible mark on the sport. Renowned for his innovative defensive strategies, he was hailed as a legend within the football community.
According to GH Media, Joe Collier, former defensive coordinator for the Denver Broncos, passed away at the age of 91 in his residence. Collier’s legacy was anchored in his development of the 3-4 defense, a formation that reshaped the game.
Collier’s tenure with the Denver Broncos spanned nearly two decades, with an impressive 16 years served as the team’s defensive coordinator. He gained prominence for engineering the famed “Orange Crush” defense during the mid-1970s, notably leading the Broncos to Super Bowl XII in 1977, albeit falling short against the Dallas Cowboys.
Bill Belichick, the six-time Super Bowl-winning head coach, acknowledged Collier’s significant influence on his defensive coaching acumen, citing his time with the Denver Broncos in the 1978 season as pivotal in his development.
Prior to his illustrious tenure with the Broncos, Collier helmed the Buffalo Bills from 1966 to 1968. Despite guiding the team to the AFL Championship Game in his debut season, they were defeated by the Kansas City Chiefs. Collier’s coaching stint with the Bills ended abruptly after just two games into the 1968 season, culminating in a modest 13-16-1 record as head coach, marking his sole experience in the role.
News of Collier’s passing prompted an outpouring of tributes and reflections from NFL fans, underscoring his enduring impact on the sport.
