He was onboard as Broncos’ DC for over 15 years under Ralston, Miller, and Reeves; and the three seasons prior coaching DBs under Lou Saban. What was the reason behind his firing after one dismal year on that side of the ball after helping them to back-to-back SBs the two years prior, not to mention architecting the Orange Crush the previous decade? Reeves at the time said something along the lines of wanting to go in a “different direction”. Wade came aboard the following year and the D was no longer an issue once again, actually quite impressive until the SB vs San Fran.
Collier would end up as a DC in New England a few years later just for a couple seasons, the two years that Dick MacPherson was HC. Both previously coached together on defense with Denver under Saban.
Joe Collier’s dismissal as Denver’s DC following ’88
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74_75_78_79_
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Re: Joe Collier’s dismissal as Denver’s DC following ’88
I think that was just it (moving in a different direction). Reeves probably wanted someone with a more aggressive approach. By that time, Collier's defenses were smoke and mirror units that were undersized. It was more mental than physical.74_75_78_79_ wrote:He was onboard as Broncos’ DC for over 15 years under Ralston, Miller, and Reeves; and the three seasons prior coaching DBs under Lou Saban. What was the reason behind his firing after one dismal year on that side of the ball after helping them to back-to-back SBs the two years prior, not to mention architecting the Orange Crush the previous decade? Reeves at the time said something along the lines of wanting to go in a “different direction”. Wade came aboard the following year and the D was no longer an issue once again, actually quite impressive until the SB vs San Fran.
Collier would end up as a DC in New England a few years later just for a couple seasons, the two years that Dick MacPherson was HC. Both previously coached together on defense with Denver under Saban.
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JohnTurney
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Re: Joe Collier’s dismissal as Denver’s DC following ’88
Agreed. This was the era of the 46 front or "Bear front" or "Double Eagle" look...and Collier resisted those more that others. In 1988 many teams were "borrowing" from the 46 defense...and doing well. In 1985 only 3 teams played a base 4-3, but 1988 is was growing a bit and would pick up steam. I think by 1995, would have to check only a few teams were still using the 3-4. So I think the lack of an aggressive front was a major thing, Collier was a coverage guy, blitzed more and more through the 1980s but still, not like some other teams.