| 1971 Denver Broncos season | |
|---|---|
| Owner | Gerald Phipps |
| General manager | Lou Saban |
| Head coach | Lou Saban (first 9 games, 2–6–1) Jerry Smith (last 5 games, 2–3) |
| Home field | Mile High Stadium |
| Results | |
| Record | 4–9–1 |
| Division place | 4th AFC West |
| Playoff finish | Did not qualify |
The 1971 Denver Broncos season was the team's twelfth season in professional football and second in the National Football League (NFL). Led by fifth-year head coach and general manager Lou Saban, the Broncos finished the season with four wins, nine losses, and one tie, again fourth in the AFC West. Fifth-year running back Floyd Little became the thirteenth in professional football history to rush for over 1,000 yards in a season;[1] the future Hall of Famer ran for 1,133 yards, averaging four yards per carry.
On Wednesday, November 17, Saban stepped down as head coach but remained as general manager; offensive line coach Jerry Smith led the team for the final five games, with two wins.[2][3] Several days after the season finale, Saban was hired as head coach of the Buffalo Bills, who had just one victory in 1971.[4][5] The Bills improved to 9–5 in 1973 and made the playoffs in 1974.
In early January 1972, the Broncos hired John Ralston as head coach and general manager; he was previously the head coach for nine years at Stanford University, upset winners of the last two Rose Bowls.[6][7]
- ^ Sports Illustrated, July 26, 2010, The Unexpected Hero by Gary Smith, p.63, Published by Time Inc.
- ^ "Saban quits Denver job". Youngstown Vindicator. (Ohio). UPI. November 17, 1971. p. 42.
- ^ "Smith takes Bronco reins from Saban". Eugene Register-Guard. (Oregon). Associated Press. November 18, 1971. p. 4D.
- ^ "NFL clubs, Baylor hire new coaches". Eugene Register-Guard. (Oregon). Associated Press. December 24, 1971. p. 3B.
- ^ "Saban promises shakeup in ranks". Daily Sentinel. (Middleport-Pomeroy, Ohio). UPI. December 24, 1971. p. 4.
- ^ "Five-year pro deal to Ralston". Spokesman-Review. (Spokane, Washington). Associated Press. January 6, 1972. p. 23.
- ^ King, Errol (January 6, 1972). "Ralston's talking Super Bowl". Deseret News. (Salt Lake City, Utah). UPI. p. C1.