Former Broncos and Colts defensive coordinator Larry Coyer dies at 79
Former Indianapolis Colts and Denver Broncos defensive coordinator Larry Coyer died Friday of a sudden illness, according to an announcement from his family. He was 79.
“We’re deeply saddened by the passing of former Broncos defensive coordinator Larry Coyer,” the Broncos said in a statement. “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.”
We’re deeply saddened by the passing of former Broncos DC Larry Coyer.
A widely respected coach with a distinguished & remarkable 50+year career, Larry was a key part of four Broncos playoff teams & their ‘05 AFC Championship Game berth.⁰
Our hearts go out to the Coyer family. pic.twitter.com/URMdhH1NU7— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) February 11, 2023
Coyer coached for four NFL teams after a collegiate coaching career at Marshall, where he was a star defensive back. In 1994, he joined the New York Jets as defensive line coach and returned to college coaching the next year. He was later hired as a linebackers coach for the Broncos in 2000 and eventually moved to defensive coordinator from 2003-06. He boasted a defensive unit ranked in the top five each season, carrying the Broncos to an AFC championship game at the end of the 2005 season.
After seven seasons under Mike Shanahan in Denver, Coyer became the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ assistant coach and later moved back to defensive coordinator before moving on to Indianapolis. He worked as the Colts defensive coordinator from 2009-11. His tenure featured a playoff berth in 2009 and a Super Bowl appearance in 2010.
He also coached in the USFL with the Memphis Showboats and Michigan Panthers.
Coyer joined Shanahan once again for one year as Washington Commanders scout in 2013. He finished his career as the defensive coordinator at New Mexico State in 2014.
"Football is a game of respect, and I see respect leaving the game," Coyer said via the The Alliance Review in his retirement. "Too many guys are calling attention to themselves."
"Football is not more important than your daily life," he added. "[It's] not about making money, but it's about building a foundation for life."
