Joe Collier, who led the Bills for three seasons before a notable 17-year tenure as the Broncos’ defensive coordinator, has passed away at the age of 91, as announced by the Broncos on Tuesday.
Collier is credited with pioneering the 3-4 defense and played a significant role in guiding the Broncos to Super Bowl appearances in 1977, 1986, and 1987.
Beginning as the defensive backs coach for the Broncos from 1969 to 1971, Collier ascended to the role of defensive coordinator in 1972, maintaining this position until 1988. He later returned to the NFL in 1991, serving a two-year stint as the Patriots’ defensive coordinator.
Before his tenure with the Broncos, Collier coached the Bills from 1966 to 1968. Notably, in his inaugural year, Buffalo achieved a 9-4-1 record and reached the AFL Championship, preceding the first Super Bowl.
Collier’s football journey began as a standout two-time All-American receiver at Northwestern in 1951 and 1952. Despite being drafted by the Giants in 1954, he never played professionally, opting instead to spend three years in the military before embarking on his coaching career.
