Bill Belichick Mourns The Death Of Legendary NFL Defensive Coach

FRANKFURT AM MAIN, GERMANY – NOVEMBER 12: Bill Belichick, Head Coach of the New England Patriots, looks on during the NFL match between Indianapolis Colts and New England Patriots at Deutsche Bank Park on November 12, 2023 in Frankfurt am Main, Germany. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images) Alex Grimm/Getty Images

Bill Belichick’s five decades in the NFL have allowed him to cross paths with hundreds of great coaches and players. One such coach, the recently departed Joe Collier, left a profound impact on him in the short time they got to work together.

Following Collier’s passing this week, Belichick released a statement mourning the loss of the former Denver Broncos defensive coordinator and longtime assistant. In the statement, Belichick called Collier “one of the greatest minds” in NFL history and someone who helped teach him the finer points of game preparation and play calling.

“I was saddened to learn of the passing of Joe Collier,” Belichick said. “The year I spent with the Broncos in 1978 as Joe’s assistant was an incredible experience and opportunity to learn from one of the greatest minds to ever coach in the NFL.”

“He took the time to educate and enlighten me on his preparation for game planning and play calling,” Belichick said. “I learned to see the game through the eyes of Coach Collier and will always cherish the professional and personal relationship we had. My sincerest condolences to his children and the entire family.”

Belichick served as the Broncos’ assistant special teams coordinator and defensive assistant in 1978, his lone year with the organization. His work under Collier and head coach Red Miller led to the New York Giants hiring him the following year. He would go on to win two Super Bowls as defensive coordinator in New York with his first coming against Collier’s Broncos in 1986.

Our hearts go out to Coach Collier’s family and loved ones.