Joe Collier, a longtime Denver Broncos assistant coach, died Monday night at his home in Littleton. Collier is most known for developing the Broncos’ famous “Orange Crush” defense in the 1970s.

Collier spent 20 seasons on the Broncos coaching staff, the second longest career among coaches, trailing only Mike Shanahan.

The organization issued a statement stating, “He was an innovator in the NFL with his 3-4 defense, propelling the Broncos to three Super Bowl appearances over a legendary career spanning more than two decades. Collier, an intelligent, unassuming, and soft-spoken man, offered consistent leadership to five different head coaches as the Broncos rose to perennial challenger status in the 1970s and 1980s.

His enormous influence on innumerable players and coaches in Denver included 12 Broncos Ring of Fame members, 11 Pro Bowl selections, and 2024 Pro Football Hall of Fame linebacker Randy Gradishar.