NASHVILLE - Former Houston Oilers head coach and defensive coordinator Ed Biles has passed away.
Biles died early Sunday morning after a lengthy battle with Leukemia. He was 88.
Titans controlling owner Amy Adams Strunk released the following statement on Sunday:
"We are saddened to hear the news today that Ed Biles has passed away. In a decade of service to our franchise, which included time as head coach and defensive coordinator, he made significant contributions. His 'Luv Ya Blue' defenses were a key component in two AFC Championship game appearances. His energy and love of the game will be remembered. Our Oilers/Titans family sends condolences to his family."
Biles arrived in Houston in 1974, when he was hired by coach Sid Gillman to work with new defensive coordinator Bum Phillips. In 1975, when Phillips was named head coach, Biles was promoted to defensive coordinator.
Biles served as defensive coordinator in the Luv Ya Blue era before being named head coach after the 1980 season, when he replaced Phillips. The Oilers reached the AFC Championship Game in both 1978 and 1979.
During his time as defensive coordinator and head coach, Biles coached eight players who ended up being elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame: nose tackle Curley Culp, running back Earl Campbell, guard Mike Munchak, guard Bruce Matthews, tight end Dave Casper, defensive end Elvin Bethea, outside linebacker Robert Brazile and quarterback Kenny Stabler.
Mike Biles told the Houston Chronicle on Sunday his father will be buried in Cincinnati and when restrictions from the coronavirus pandemic are lifted, there will be a memorial service in Houston.
