Joe Collier, the highly respected Broncos defensive coordinator, died at his residence in Littleton on Monday night, as announced by the team. The cause of death was not disclosed. He was 91 years old.
Collier, known for creating the Orange Crush defense, spent two decades in Denver (1969-1988) and introduced the 3-4 base defense. His defensive strategy contributed to the Broncos reaching the Super Bowl three times during his time with the team.
We are deeply saddened by the passing of legendary former defensive coordinator Joe Collier, the architect of the Orange Crush defense who helped us to three Super Bowl appearances.
A statement from the Broncos: pic.twitter.com/ILd9IvmPzD
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) May 7, 2024
The team stated, “Collier’s dedication to the Broncos went beyond the field, as he served as a Ring of Fame Selection Committee member for more than 20 years, focused on honoring our all-time greats.” As we honor the remarkable life and career of Joe Collier, our thoughts are with his three children (Joel, Julie, and Lisa) as well as his entire family and numerous friends.
Collier worked as Denver’s defensive backs coach for three seasons (1969-71) before being promoted to defensive coordinator in 1972, a role he held for 16 years. He was the second-longest-tenured coach in franchise history, behind only former head coach Mike Shanahan (21 seasons).
During Collier’s tenure as defensive coordinator, the Broncos ranked second in touchdowns allowed (258), sixth in rushing yards per game (123) and touchdowns per game (2.15). Denver also placed eighth in points allowed per game (18.9), interceptions (356), and opponent passer rating (67.6).
Collier coached several players who are now in the team’s Ring of Fame, including Rich “Tombstone” Jackson, Paul Smith, Billy Thompson, Tom Jackson, Louis Wright, Dennis Smith, Karl Mecklenburg, Simon Fletcher, and Randy Gradishar. The latter will be honored in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in August.
Collier was inducted into the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame in 2002.
In 2020, Bill Belichick, the former head coach of the New England Patriots and a defensive assistant for the Broncos in 1978, shared with reporters that his time working with Collier was a valuable learning experience.
“Not everybody sees it the same way, but Joe was very skilled at analyzing offenses and their actions,” Belichick remarked. “He was adept at anticipating and did an excellent job of preparing for it. I analyzed the games for him, but the method he had me use was different from what I did in Baltimore. It provided me with a lot of insight there.”
Born on June 7, 1932, Collier played college football at Northwestern, where in 1952 he set Big Ten Conference records with 650 receiving yards and seven touchdown catches.
A Rock Island, Ill. native, Collier began his coaching career at Western Illinois (1957-59) before entering the NFL as an assistant coach for the Boston Patriots from 1960-61. After serving as a linebackers and defensive backs coach for the Buffalo Bills from 1962-65, Collier spent three seasons as the team’s head coach, achieving a 13-16-1 record. He helped the Bills win the AFL Eastern Division in 1966.
After his 20-year stint in Denver, Collier spent two seasons as a defensive coordinator for the Patriots. He retired from the NFL following the 1992 season.
Collier's three kids (Joel, Julie and Lisa), four grandkids and four great-grandchildren are still alive after him.
