Joe Collier, a prominent figure in the NFL known for his coaching stints with the Buffalo Bills and Denver Broncos, has passed away at the age of 91. The Broncos announced his death on Tuesday, highlighting his significant contributions to the team"s success, including his role as the defensive coordinator during their Super Bowl appearances in 1977, 1986, and 1987.
Former Bills coach and long-time Broncos defensive coordinator Joe Collier — architect of the 3-4 defense — dies at 91. https://t.co/pFR2OMunB4
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) May 7, 2024
Collier, often credited as the mastermind behind the 3-4 defense scheme, began his coaching career as a defensive backs coach with the Broncos in 1969 before being promoted to defensive coordinator in 1972, a position he held until 1988. He later returned to the NFL as the defensive coordinator for the New England Patriots for two seasons starting in 1991.
Prior to his tenure with the Broncos, Collier coached the Buffalo Bills from 1966 to 1968, leading them to the AFL Championship game in his first year. Despite a successful collegiate football career as a two-time All-American receiver at Northwestern, Collier never played professional football, opting instead to serve in the military for three years before embarking on his coaching journey.
