Longtime NFL defensive mastermind Buddy Ryan has died at age 85. Ryan coached in the NFL for nearly 30 years, from his first job as defensive line coach for the Jets in 1968 through his stint as Cardinals head coach, which ended in 1995. Along the way, he contributed to one of the biggest upsets in Super Bowl history with the 1968 Jets, created the revolutionary 46 defense and built one of the best defensive units ever with the 1985 Bears.
Ryan began coaching almost immediately after college and began rapidly moving his way up the ranks. He was 30 when he began coaching in college for the Buffalo Bulls, and 47 when he took over as Bears defensive coordinator. Chicago was where Ryan really made his name, building the Bears’ defense into one of the greatest of all-time.
Ryan’s success in Chicago led to his first head-coaching job, with the Eagles in 1986. He lasted five years in Philadelphia and later helmed the Cardinals for two seasons. His final record as a head coach was 55-55-1.
Ryan’s legacy lives on through the 46 defense as well as through his sons, two of whom, Rex and Rob, have themselves become successful defensive-minded NFL coaches. Currently, Rex is head coach of the Bills and Rob is his top assistant. In an interview with the MMQB published in May, the brothers said they were “going for broke” this upcoming season in honor of their father.
To me, the best defensive mind that ever lived was Bill Belichick. But Buddy Ryan was right there. Rest in peace, Buddy.
— mike freeman (@mikefreemanNFL) June 28, 2016
[ESPN]