Denver, Colorado - The NFL world lost one of the most well-respected longtime coaches on Saturday afternoon as Denver Broncos legend Larry Coyer passed away.

Coyer, whose lengthy 50-year coaching career included a seven-season stint as defensive coordinator in Denver, died on Saturday, the team confirmed in a statement. He was 79.

"We’re deeply saddened by the passing of former Broncos DC Larry Coyer," the Broncos tweeted.

"A widely respected coach with a distinguished & remarkable 50+year career, Larry was a key part of four Broncos playoff teams & their ‘05 AFC Championship Game berth. Our hearts go out to the Coyer family."

From the high school ranks to college football, to the Arena Football League (AFL) and the NFL, Coyer's journey as a coach on the gridiron began after his illustrious playing career at Marshall.

Honored as one of the greatest defensive minds in the game, Coyer's more notable coaching work came with his time in Denver.

Hired as the linebackers coach for the Broncos in 2000, he was promoted to defensive coordinator from 2003 to 2006, where he led the franchise to new heights.

As coordinator, Coyer was the architect behind four Broncos defenses that ranked top-10 in scoring defense, earning an appearance in the 2005 AFC Championship, a first since 1999.

Coyer's cause of death was not disclosed.