Legendary Broncos assistant Alex Gibbs passes away at 80
Jul 12, 2021, 1:08 PM | Updated: 1:09 pm
The catalyst behind a Denver Broncos offensive line that plowed its way to a 2,000-yard season and back-to-back Super Bowls, legendary assistant coach Alex Gibbs passed away Monday. He was 80.
According the Broncos, Gibbs died surrounded by family in his home in Phoenix after succumbing to complications from a stroke.
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Alex Gibbs, who had a profound impact on the Denver Broncos and the National Football League as an offensive line coach,” the Broncos said in a statement.
“During his 14 years with the Broncos, coach Gibbs left a lasting legacy on this league with his innovative blocking schemes and outstanding teaching ability. He helped the Broncos to Super Bowls during three different decades — including back-to-back World Championships — while forging a reputation as one of the greatest assistant coaches in NFL history.
“Our hearts go out to Alex’s wife, Trina, and the entire Gibbs family as well as Alex’s many former players and fellow coaches.”
Gibbs’ zone blocking scheme helped propel Denver not only to wins in Super Bowl XXXII and XXXIII but also defined the team’s offenses at the turn of the millennium.
In his second of three stints with the Broncos, Gibbs served as assistant head coach/offensive line coach from 1995 to 2003, wherein Denver’s ground game produced eight 1,000-yard rushers.
In 1998, in route to Denver’s second world championship in as many seasons, Terrell Davis became just the fourth 2,000-yard rusher in NFL history behind a Gibbs-built offensive line.
After 15 years in the college ranks, Gibbs spent three seasons as the Broncos offensive line coach for Dan Reeves from 1984 to 1987. He’d also return as an offensive line consultant for the 2013 season.
Aside from his tenure in the Mile High City, Gibbs coaches for the Los Angeles Raiders, San Diego Chargers, Indianapolis Colts, Kansas City Chiefs, Atlanta Falcons, Houston Texans and Seattle Seahawks.
