x
Breaking News
More () »

Former NFL coach, defensive mastermind Buddy Ryan dies at 85

Buddy Ryan, the architect of some of the most feared defenses in NFL history, has died, USA TODAY Sports confirmed on Tuesday. He was 85. 

Buddy Ryan, the architect of some of the most feared defenses in NFL history, has died, USA TODAY Sports confirmed on Tuesday. He was 85. 

Ryan was the defensive coordinator with the title-winning Chicago Bears in Super Bowl XX and served as the defensive line coach with the New York Jets when the franchise won Super Bowl III. He coached in the NFL, either as a head coach or assistant for 35 years.

Ryan had battled cancer in recent years. 

He was the father of Buffalo Bills head coach Rex Ryan and Bills assistant coach Rob Ryan.

The "46" defense Ryan installed as a coordinator with the Bears was one of the most dominant in league history. The 1984 Bears compiled 72 sacks in the regular season, a mark that has yet to be surpassed. A season later, the defense anchored the Bears' Super Bowl run that ended with a 46-10 victory over the New England Patriots. 

“Buddy Ryan was the architect of the greatest defense our league has seen. He was brilliant when it came to the X’s and O’s of the game, but what made him special was his ability to create an unwavering confidence in the players he coached," Bears chairman George McCaskey said in a statement.

"We will always be grateful for Buddy’s contribution to the Bears. He is one of the team’s all-time greats. Our prayers are with his family.”

Success wasn't as easily attained for Ryan as a head coach. Ryan was 55-55-1 in his five seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles and two seasons with the Arizona Cardinals. He made the postseason three times, but never won a game.  

Besides his defensive genius, Ryan is also remembered for his colorful personality. 

He also provided one of the most memorable sideline moments in history when, as defensive coordinator for the Houston Oilers, he took a swing at the team's offensive coordinator, Kevin Gilbride, for running what Ryan called a "chuck and duck" offense.

“On behalf of the entire Ryan family, we want to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their sympathies, prayers and warm thoughts with the passing of my dad," said Rex Ryan.

"He was many things to many people--outstanding coach, mentor, fierce competitor, father figure, faithful friend and the list goes on. But to me and my brothers Rob and Jim, he was so much more. He was everything you want in a dad--tough when he had to be, compassionate when you didn't necessarily expect it, and a loving teacher and confidant who cherished his family. He truly was our hero."

“For Rob and me, we've had the great fortune of sharing the coaching profession that he was so proud of and cherished so much. There is no way we can possibly begin to measure how much football we have learned from him over the years and we are forever thankful to him for instilling within us his unwavering love for the game of football."

“While today is a tough day for all of us in the Ryan family, we are consoled in knowing how much dad was loved by so many and the love he gave back in return. Though we will miss him dearly, we take comfort in knowing that his memory will live on through all of us."

(NOTE: This story has been corrected to show Ryan’s age was 85.)

 

 

 

 

PHOTOS: Buddy Ryan

 

 

Before You Leave, Check This Out