BOISE (Statesman of Idaho) Longtime Boise State football defensive assistant Ron Collins passed away this week following a protracted illness, the university said on Thursday.
Collins was the defensive coordinator when the program first gained national attention, although he most recently worked as a defensive senior analyst for the Broncos.
He was 61 when he passed away on Tuesday. According to a Boise State news release, he battled his sickness and missed the majority of the 2024 season with the team.
Spencer Danielson, the head coach of Boise State, wrote on X that RC was an exceptional husband, father, coach, and friend. I adore you, brother. We’ll see you later.
The years 2001–2005, when Collins assisted Dan Hawkins in elevating Boise State to a Top 25 program, were among his best periods. He began his career with Hawkins as a linebackers coach in 2001. In 2002, he was elevated to defensive coordinator, a position he maintained for the remainder of Hawkins’ tenure. The Broncos had a 45-7 record over four seasons and finished in the Top 25 in 2002, 2003, and 2004 thanks to Collins’ defenses.
After the 2005 season, he and Hawkins moved to Colorado. In 2022, Collins rejoined Boise State as a senior analyst for defense. When Danielson was appointed interim head coach in 2023, he spent a portion of the season as an assistant coach.
In addition to his 38 years as a coach, Collins has held coaching positions at Iowa State (1987), Colorado (2006–10), Ohio (2011–21), and Washington University in St. Louis (1988–2000).
He was a team captain while playing football for Washington State. Alexandra and Taylor Rae are his two daughters with his wife, Sharon. Another X post about Collins was made by Kane Ioane, a former Boise State assistant who is currently at Nevada:
Great coach, great guy; during our time together, you were a huge assistance to me on both a personal and professional level. I love you, RC!
