On Monday, legendary offensive line coach Alex Gibbs passed away at the age of 80 due to complications from a stroke. One of the best and most important assistant coaches in professional football history, Gibbs was especially legendary for his refinements to inside and outside zone blocking.
“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 Denver Broncos, for whom Gibbs was offensive line coach from 1984 through 1987, and assistant head coach/offensive line from 1995 through 2003, 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 also coached in college for Duke, Kentucky, West Virginia, Ohio State, Auburn, and Georgia, and in the NFL with the Raiders, Chargers, Colts, Chiefs, Falcons, Texans, and Seahawks. He concluded his NFL career as an offensive line consultant for the Broncos in 2013.
I’d like to quote from my book, The Genius of Desperation, which hopefully gives some insight as to why Gibbs’ efforts as a teacher, coach, and schematic genius made him such a crucial part of pro football history.