Former Broncos and Colts defensive coordinator Larry Coyer dies of a ‘sudden illness’ at age 79

Former Denver Broncos and Indianapolis Colts defensive coordinator Larry Coyer died Friday at age 79.

Coyer, who coached football for almost 50 years across several different levels, passed away this week. His family attributed his death to a ‘sudden illness.’

Coyer coached in high school, college, the USFL and the NFL from 1965 through 2014.

He was the Broncos’ defensive coordinator from 2003-06 and held the same role with the Colts from 2009-11.

‘We’re deeply saddened by the passing of former Broncos defensive coordinator Larry Coyer,’ the Broncos said in a statement. 

Former Denver Broncos and Colts defensive coordinator Larry Coyer died Friday at age 79

Coyer coached in high school, college, the USFL and the NFL from 1965 through 2014

‘A widely respected coach with a distinguished and remarkable 50-plus-year career, Larry was a key part of four Broncos playoff teams and their 2005 AFC Championship Game berth. Our hearts go out to the Coyer family.’

Coyer was an assistant head coach and defensive line coach with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 2007-08.

He was a scout for Washington in 2013 before finishing his career as the defensive coordinator at New Mexico Sate in 2014.  

His lengthy collegiate resume shows stops at Bowling Green, Iowa, Oklahoma State, Iowa State, UCLA, Houston, Ohio State, East Carolina, Pitts and New Mexico State.

His coaching career began at his alma mater at Marshall, where he starred as a defensive back. 

Coyer led the Thundering Herd in interceptions in three seasons and set a school record for career interceptions that stood for more than two decades. Despite NFL scouts showing some interest in him, Coyer opted to begin a coaching career when his playing days ended. 

He was the Broncos’ defensive coordinator from 2003-06 and the Colts’ from 2009-11 

After coaching Marshall’s defensive backs, he got his first defensive coordinator role, calling the plays at Ohio’s Massillon High School.

Over three seasons from 1970-72, Coyer’s defenses allowed about 30 points per season – about three points per game – before making the jump to collegiate level.

After a lengthy career in the college ranks, Coyer joined the Jets as defensive line coach in 1994. He returned to college coaching the following year before the Broncos hired him as linebackers coach in 2000. 

He also coached in the USFL with the Michigan Panthers (1983-84) and Memphis Showboats (1985). The Panthers won the league’s inaugural championship in 1983.