Former Denver Broncos Interim Head Coach Jerry Smith Passes Away

by Tim Lynch on Aug 8, 2011 8:25 PM MDT in News

Longtime NFL/AFL assistant Jerry Smith dead at 80... http://fan.ac/1M14 #NFL #Denver #Broncosless than a minute ago via DenverFans.com Favorite Retweet ReplyDenver Sports Fans
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Jerry Smith and Eric Studdesville have something in common. They were the only two interim head coaches in Denver Broncos history. Jerry Smith actually helped turn a lost season into a respectable and hopeful finish, much the way Coach Studesville did last season.

MHR sends its thoughts and prayers to the Smith family. Rest in peace. For more about Jerry Smith, see this Denver Post article: http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_18641570

"I think he really wanted the opportunity to take over the team the following year," his son said. "He went 2-3 and was pulling guys off the street and really did a great job.

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RIP

IDK anything about this guy but a death is a death let him RIP

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by Taylor K on Aug 8, 2011 8:48 PM MDT reply actions

I wrote about him briefly a few years back when I went through the history of Broncos coaches.

http://www.milehighreport.com/2009/1/30/724338/mhr-bronco-s-history-lesso

It’s so short, I could just copy it here:

Interim Head Coach: 1971

Ironically, Jerry Smith would be the only head coach ever to come close to finishing his tenure with the Broncos with a .500 record in the teams first dozen years of existence. He would finish out the 1971 season undefeated at home(1-0) as well as a win over the Steelers in Pittsburgh.

Regular Season Record: 2-3
Playoff Record: 0-0
AFC West Titles: 0
AFC Championships: 0
Super Bowl Titles: 0

Still, he was a head coach for the Denver Broncos. ’nuff said.

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by Tim Lynch on Aug 8, 2011 9:18 PM MDT up reply actions

Can't overlook these early guys...

With the Broncos aiming to be relocated so many times in these early years, we’ll never know if one of his two wins was one that made a difference.

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by Jezru on Aug 8, 2011 9:51 PM MDT reply actions

He was a nice guy....

A local sportscaster named Starr Yelland would interview him regularly on his TVcast. He had a short career with a Coache’s show, and he was well liked by the players, He was adefensive minded guy…..

by Gulbrand on Aug 8, 2011 10:42 PM MDT reply actions

Oh

it’s a different Jerry Smith than the tight end whose records Shannon Sharpe broke. I actually heard that on Houston’s KILT this morning!

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With Coach Zorro on our side, we will slice opponents to ribbons. Tim Tebow gives me hope and I already have faith and charity in my heart! I see a propitious future rife with Lombardis for our Broncos!

by the new Bradfather on Aug 8, 2011 10:57 PM MDT reply actions