Innovative NFL offensive line coach
ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — Alex Gibbs, the innovative offensive line coach whose zone-blocking scheme helped lead the Denver Broncos to back-to-back Super Bowl triumphs in the 1990s, has died at age 80, the team said.
The team said Mr. Gibbs died Monday from complications of a stroke with family by his side in his Phoenix home.
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Alex Gibbs, who had a profound impact on the Denver Broncos and the National Football League,” a Broncos statement said. “During his 14 years with the Broncos, Coach Gibbs left a lasting legacy on this league with his innovative blocking schemes.
“He helped the Broncos to Super Bowls during three different decades — including back-to-back world championships,” the team added.
Mr. Gibbs served as the Broncos’ O-line coach from 1984-87 and 1995-2003. He also was an offensive line consultant for Denver in 2013.
His zone-blocking relied on linemen moving together as one, creating cut-back lanes for running backs opposed to the power scheme
that relies on linemen to block the defender in front.
The scheme was key to the Broncos’ dominant ground game behind Hall of Famer Terrell Davis that powered Denver to championships in Super Bowls 32 and 33 against Green Bay and Atlanta, respectively.
Mr. Gibbs also served as an assistant for the Los Angeles Raiders (1988-89), San Diego Chargers (1990-91), Indianapolis Colts (1992), Kansas City Chiefs (1993-94), Atlanta Falcons (2004-06) and Houston Texans (2008-09).