Joe Collier, former Bills head coach and architect of Broncos’ ‘Orange Crush’ defense, dies at 91
Associated PressDENVER — Joe Collier, the former Buffalo Bills head coach and architect of the Denver Broncos’ famed “Orange Crush” defense, has died. His profound influence on countless players and coaches in Denver included 12 Broncos Ring of Famers, 11 Pro Bowl selections and 2024 Pro Football Hall of Fame linebacker Randy Gradishar.” In a recent interview with The Associated Press regarding Gradishar’s induction into Canton this summer, Collier said, “It’s long overdue. Randy was a great leader of our defense.” Collier said he hoped Gradishar’s enshrinement would do two things: show today’s fans what a coolly efficient tackler Gradishar was and open the door for more members of the Orange Crush defense to get into the Hall of Fame. Led by Collier’s defense, the Broncos made their first of eight Super Bowl appearances after the 1977 season, when they defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers and Oakland Raiders in the playoffs to win the AFC.
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