Buddy Ryan
American football coach
Died when: 85 years 132 days (1024 months)Star Sign: Aquarius
James David "Buddy" Ryan (February 17, 1931 – June 28, 2016) was an American football coach in the National Football League (NFL) and American Football League (AFL).
During his 35-season coaching career, Ryan served as the head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles and Arizona Cardinals, as well as the defensive coordinator of the Chicago Bears and Houston Oilers of the NFL.
Ryan began his professional coaching career as the defensive line coach for the New York Jets of the AFL for the team's Super Bowl III victory.
He became the defensive line coach for the Minnesota Vikings, overseeing the Purple People Eaters.He then became the defensive coordinator of the Chicago Bears, who won Super Bowl XX.
As defensive coordinator of the Bears, he is credited with creating the 46 defense, and the 1985 team led the league in nearly all defensive statistical categories.
Ryan then coached the Eagles, served as defensive coordinator of the Oilers, and coached the Cardinals.He was the father of NFL coaches Rex Ryan and Rob Ryan.
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American football coach
American football coach
American football coach