HBCU football has shaped modern football strategies, with influential coaches and players continuing to impact the game. In a recent appearance on the HBCUGo show “Huddle Up” with Steve Wyche, Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton discussed how Archie Cooley inspired elements of his offensive approach, including what he calls the “Cooley Package.”
Payton said, “Anytime we can give credit to somebody, or even with our at the line calls, we use terms that resonate maybe with the play (… ) We got this one play that’s the GOAT play versus a certain defense, and we call it ‘Gretzky,’ he was the best ever. So, I think it helps them learn and I think there’s an interest in the history. Especially when you’re talking to a diverse room and I can look at them and say I was playing when this guy was setting all these records. Besides them responding, ‘You’re old, coach,’ many of these players have heard about the legend of [Archie] Cooley. Everyone knows about Jerry Rice and not many people would be able to tell you who Willie Totten was, but that’s the cool thing about what we do.”
Cooley adapted aspects of the West Coast Offense into a system known as Satellite Express. This innovation featured a five-wide receiver lineup operating without huddles. His 1984 Mississippi Valley State team set an FCS record by averaging 60.9 points per game.
A segment from HBCUGoTV added context: “.@Broncos Coach Sean Payton shares a special story with @wyche89 about what tools he learned from one of the greatest offenses in HBCU history.”
The continued recognition highlights how foundational HBCU programs and their coaches remain within American football.
