Bill Belichick (Photo by JOSEPH PREZIOSO/AFP via Getty Images)

Former New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick shared a thoughtful message following the passing of longtime Denver Broncos defensive coordinator Joe Collier.

On Tuesday, the Broncos announced that Joe Collier had passed away at the age of 91 in his home in Littleton, Colorado. Bill Belichick was one of the many other legendary coaches who had the fortune of working with Collier, whose NFL coaching career spanned over three decades.

In a statement shared on the Broncos’ official website, Belichick offered a heartfelt tribute to the longtime NFL coach:

“I was saddened to learn of the passing of Joe Collier. The year I spent with the Broncos in 1978 as Joe’s assistant was an incredible experience and opportunity to learn from one of the greatest minds to ever coach in the NFL.”

“He took the time to educate and enlighten me on his preparation for game planning and play calling. I learned to see the game through the eyes of Coach Collier and will always cherish the professional and personal relationship we had. My sincerest condolences to his children and the entire family.”

Before joining the New York Giants in 1979, Belichick spent one year with the Broncos as a defensive assistant and assistant special teams coordinator. Denver won the AFC West that year with a 10-6 record, thanks to Collier’s stingy defense that allowed the second-fewest points (12.4 per game).

Collier was an assistant coach at Western Michigan from 1957 to 1959 before jumping to the NFL, where he served as an assistant on the Boston Patriots’ (now New England Patriots) staff.

After two years there, Collier became the Buffalo Bills’ linebackers and defensive backs coach in 1962. The Bills won two AFL Championships (1964 and ’65) in that period before Collier took over as their head coach in 1966.

Collier was Buffalo’s coach for three years before joining the Broncos’ organization in 1969. He would stay there until 1988, and the team reached three Super Bowls during his run as their defensive coordinator. Collier finished out his coaching career as the Patriots’ DC for two years (1992 to ’93).

One Of Many Great Coaches Bill Belichick Learned From

There’s no shortage of all-time great coaches whom Belichick got to learn from before he became a legend himself in the Giants’ and Patriots’ organizations.

Belichick got to learn from the likes of Collier, Ray Perkins (Giants), Bill Parcells (Giants) and Ted Marchibroda (Baltimore Colts) before he built his legacy as the NFL’s greatest head coach ever with the Patriots.