Former Broncos head coach Dan Reeves passes away at 77
Jan 1, 2022, 11:09 AM
Broncos Country awoke to sad news on New Year’s Day. Dan Reeves, who was the franchise’s head coach from 1981-92, passed away at the age of 77.
Reeves came to the Broncos after an outstanding career, both as a player and an assistant coach, with the Cowboys. He brought the winning ways from Dallas when he became the youngest head coach in the NFL at age 37.
During his tenure in Denver, Reeves amassed a 110-73-1 record. He led the Broncos to five AFC West championships, four AFC title games and three Super Bowls.
After finishing 8-8 in 1992, however, the head coach was fired. In part, this was due to a clash of personalities with John Elway. Ultimately, the Hall of Fame quarterback won the power struggle.
Reeves went on to coach both the Giants and the Falcons. In Atlanta, he would cross paths with the Broncos once again, as the two franchise faced off in Super Bowl XXXIII. Denver won 34-19.
That game was the ninth Super Bowl that Reeves was a part of during his playing and coaching career. Only Bill Belichick (12) and Tom Brady (10) have been a part of more.
Reeves was a part of some monumental moments in Broncos history. He was on the sidelines for “The Drive,” “The Fumble,” “The Drive II” and many of Elway’s epic fourth-quarter comebacks.
The head coach was also instrumental in acquiring some of the best players in franchise history. Reeves was entering his third season in Denver when the Broncos acquired Elway in a trade with the Colts. His first draft choice, Dennis Smith, became of Ring of Fame inductee, one of five selections by Reeves that would eventually wind up on the facade at Empower Field. He also selected to future Hall of Fame inductees, taking Steve Atwater in the first round of the 1989 draft and Shannon Sharpe in the seventh round in 1990.
He was a towering presence in Denver sports for 12 years. His impact on the Broncos franchise lasted for decades, celebrated by his enshrinement in the Ring of Fame in 2014. Dan Reeves was a true icon.
