Alex Gibbs, innovative coach behind Broncos’ zone blocking scheme, dies at 80

Retired Denver Broncos Offensive Line coach Alex Gibbs works with the team at the Broncos training facility at Dove Valley. 08/21/02 ( for Shefter story)Alex Gibbs, the innovative offensive line coach whose zone-blocking scheme helped power two Super Bowl title runs for the Denver Broncos, died Monday morning.

Gibbs died from complications of a stroke surrounded by family in his Phoenix home, the team announced. He was 80.

“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 Broncos said in a statement posted on social media. “… Coach Gibbs left a lasting legacy on this league…