DENVER -- Cleaning house after their promising defense fell
apart, the Denver Broncos fired defensive line/tackles coach Andre
Patterson on Wednesday, one day after axing defensive coordinator
Larry Coyer.
Team spokesman Jim Saccomano declined to discuss why Patterson
was let go. He had been with the team for two seasons and has been
in the NFL for 10 years.
Patterson had no listed phone number.
Denver jumped to a 7-2 start this season behind a stout defense
that didn't allow a touchdown over the first 11 quarters -- the
first NFL team to accomplish such a shutout in 64 years.
But after injuries to key players, the defense wilted, giving up
an average of 27.7 points in its final seven games, including 83
points in two losses to San Diego. Denver finished 9-7 and missed
the playoffs.
Starting safety Nick Ferguson was lost to a left knee injury on
Nov. 19 and Sam Brandon, who played in the nickel package, suffered
a right knee injury on Nov. 5. Linebacker Al Wilson didn't play in
the season finale because of a sore back.
Coyer had been with the Broncos for seven seasons and had been
defensive coordinator for four. In a written statement, he said he
knew the team had to make changes.
"Anytime a season goes as this season has gone, somebody has to
pay the price," he said. "Sadly, and with broken hearts for Jan
(his wife) and myself, regretfully that fate has fallen on my
shoulders. I say sadly and with broken hearts because we have truly
loved being part of this outstanding organization."
Coyer didn't take calls Monday.
"He's going to be all right," Jan Coyer said. "He'll land on
his feet because he's always trusted that God will put him where he
needs to be," she said.
Coyer's firing came eight days after cornerback Darrent Williams
was killed in a drive-by shooting following a New Year's Eve party
at a downtown Denver nightclub.