Joe Collier, former Buffalo Bills head coach and architect of the Denver Broncos’ famed “Orange Crush” defense, has died. Collier’s family confirmed that he died at his Littleton, Colorado, home Monday night.
A statement from the Broncos said that Collier, who spent 20 seasons on their coaching staff, was “among the best defensive coordinators of all time.”
Collier started coaching at Western Illinois University before breaking into pro football as an assistant for the Boston Patriots from 1960 to 61. He coached the Bills’ linebackers and defensive backs from 1962 to 65 before taking over as head coach through 1968.
Collier was 13-16-1 at the helm of the Bills, leading them to the AFL Eastern Division title in 1966 with a 9-4-1 record.
Collier is survived by three children, four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. He was 91.