What Is 1975 Denver Broncos football team

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 1975 Denver Broncos finished with a 6–8 record under head coach John Ralston, marking their 16th season and sixth in the NFL. They played home games at Mile High Stadium and ranked 2nd in the AFC West.

Key Facts

The 975 Denver Broncos had a 6–8 win-loss record, their second consecutive losing season.
John Ralston was head coach for the first 10 games before being replaced by Dan Reeves.
They played home games at Mile High Stadium in Denver, Colorado.
The team ranked 2nd in the AFC West division behind the Oakland Raiders.
Quarterback Charley Johnson started the season, later replaced by Craig Morton.

Overview

The 1975 Denver Broncos season was the franchise's 16th overall and sixth in the National Football League (NFL). Competing in the American Football Conference (AFC) West division, the team failed to reach the playoffs for the sixth consecutive year, finishing with a 6–8 record under transitional leadership.

Despite flashes of competitiveness, the Broncos struggled with consistency on both offense and defense. The season is notable for a mid-year coaching change and the continued evolution of the team’s identity before their breakthrough in the late 1970s. Mile High Stadium remained a key home-field advantage despite the losing record.

Record: The Broncos finished the 1975 regular season with a 6–8 win-loss record, failing to qualify for the postseason.
Coaching change:John Ralston started the season as head coach but was fired after a 2–7 start; Dan Reeves replaced him as interim head coach.
Division standing: Denver placed 2nd in the AFC West, behind the 11–3 Oakland Raiders, but ahead of the Chargers and Chiefs.
Home stadium: All home games were played at Mile High Stadium, a 75,000-seat venue known for its high-altitude advantage.
Quarterback rotation:Charley Johnson began as starter but was replaced by Craig Morton, who led the team in passing yards.

Coaching & Roster Dynamics

The 1975 season was defined by instability in leadership and quarterback play, with significant shifts occurring mid-season. The roster featured a mix of veteran presence and younger players, but lacked the cohesion needed for a playoff push.

John Ralston:Head coach from 1972 to 1975, Ralston compiled a 20–38 record before being dismissed after a 2–7 start in 1975.
Dan Reeves:Named interim head coach at age 31, becoming one of the youngest head coaches in NFL history; led the team to a 4–1 finish.
Quarterback Craig Morton: Threw for 1,875 yards and 13 touchdowns in 10 games, showing promise for future seasons.
Defense: The Broncos' defense allowed 27.9 points per game, ranking 27th out of 28 teams, a major factor in their struggles.
Running game:Rick Upchurch contributed as a return specialist, while Rob Lytle emerged as a rookie running back in later years.
Notable absence: The team did not have a single player selected to the 1976 Pro Bowl, highlighting a lack of individual standout performances.

Comparison at a Glance

Comparing the 1975 Broncos to other seasons and teams in the division reveals patterns of underperformance and transition.

Team	Record	Division Finish	Head Coach	Key QB
1975 Denver Broncos	6–8	2nd, AFC West	John Ralston / Dan Reeves	Craig Morton
1974 Denver Broncos	7–7	3rd, AFC West	John Ralston	Charley Johnson
1975 Oakland Raiders	11–3	1st, AFC West	John Madden	Ken Stabler
1975 Kansas City Chiefs	5–9	4th, AFC West	Jack Steadman	Steve Ramsey
1976 Denver Broncos	9–5	1st, AFC West	Dan Reeves	Craig Morton

This table illustrates how the 1975 Broncos were improving toward the end of the season under Reeves, setting the foundation for their division title the following year. The Raiders remained dominant, while the Chiefs and Chargers lagged. The coaching shift proved pivotal, as Reeves’ leadership directly correlated with a winning turnaround.

Why It Matters

The 1975 season was a turning point in Broncos history, marking the end of one era and the beginning of a more successful chapter. Though not a playoff year, it laid the groundwork for future competitiveness and established key figures in the franchise’s legacy.

Coaching legacy:Dan Reeves became the youngest head coach in NFL history at the time, later leading the Broncos to three Super Bowls.
Foundation for success: The 1975 transition helped the Broncos win the AFC West in 1976 with a 9–5 record.
Player development:Craig Morton stabilized the quarterback position, paving the way for future playoff runs.
Historical context: This season occurred before the 1977 Super Bowl XII appearance, making it a crucial developmental year.
Fan engagement: Despite losses, attendance at Mile High remained strong, reflecting growing local support.
Strategic shift: The mid-season coaching change signaled a new willingness to adapt, influencing front-office decisions for years.

The 1975 Denver Broncos may not be remembered for championships, but its role in shaping the franchise's trajectory is undeniable. It exemplifies how transitional seasons can lay the foundation for long-term success in professional sports.