DENVER, Colo. — Former NFL coach Dan Reeves died Saturday after a long battle with dementia. He was 77.
His family released a statement to NFL Network.
"Legendary NFL player and coach Dan Reeves passed away early this morning, peacefully and surrounded by his loving family at his home in Atlanta, GA. He passed away at age 77 due to complications from a long illness. His legacy will continue through his many friends, players and fans as well as the rest of the NFL community. Arrangements are still to be determined."
Reeves helped the Denver Broncos become the class of the AFC in the 1980s. He led the franchise to three Super Bowls, failing to win any, but creating a brand of excellence along with quarterback John Elway that made the Broncos a national draw.
Reeves ranks second among Broncos coaches in wins (110), trailing only Mike Shanahan, his former assistant. Both are Ring of Famers. Reeves entered in 2014.
Reeves returned Denver to its late 1970s glory. He posted 10 wins seven times and was a regular in the postseason, posting only one losing season during his Denver career from 1981-92. Those Broncos were known for tough defenses, and the athleticism and late-game magic of Elway, who arrived in 1983 via trade. With Elway fueling the charge, the Broncos won three AFC West titles.
Reeves delivered a 13-7 playoff record with the Broncos.
Reeves later coached the Giants and Falcons. He faced the Broncos in Super Bowl 33 with Atlanta but fell short as Denver won back-to-back titles. Reeves participated in nine Super Bowls as a player and coach.
Reeves grew up on a farm in Georgia and attended college at South Carolina. He played seven seasons with the Dallas Cowboys, learning from Hall of Fame coach Tom Landry. As a rushing and receiving threat, Reeves led the league in touchdowns with 16 in 1966. He helped the Cowboys win Super Bowl VI in 1972.
An injury ended his NFL career but launched a successful coaching run. Reeves posted a career record of 201-174-2, making him one of seven coaches with 200 victories.
This story was originally reported by Troy Renck on thedenverchannel.com.
