Despite the fact that reputable outlets have reported Ryan was 82, a CBS Sports producer spoke to the executor of the estate who clarified that Ryan was born on February 17, 1931, and was actually 85 when he died.
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Ryan’s twin sons Rex, now the head coach of the Buffalo Bills, and Rob, the Bills’ assistant head coach, also have spent decades as National Football League coaches.
Ryan’s vaunted “46 defence” was at the heart of the 46-10 defeat of the New England Patriots at Super Bowl XX, totalling an impressive seven sacks in the game. “That’s like saying Marilyn Monroe is just a girl”.
Former Chicago Bears defensive tackle Steve McMichael: “I wonder who just lost their defensive coordinating job in heaven”.
James David “Buddy” Ryan was a Korean War vet who went to Oklahoma State, then got a Master’s from Middle Tennessee State. He then coached the defensive line of the New York Jets and was there when they won Super Bowl III.
Ryan’s last coaching job was for the Arizona Cardinals in 1994.
Ryan’s coaching tree isn’t largely celebrated, per se, but besides both Rex and Rob, Ryan also saw many players go on to become head coaches. Ryan first came into national prominence as the coordinator of the Chicago Bears’ stifling defense in 1985, but he was well-known in football circles for his defensive acumen well before then. Despite going 43-35-1 and never winning a playoff game in his five years in Philadelphia, he was a beloved figure in the city. “He was still Buddy Ryan and could be crusty with people who sometimes worked at the house, but it would be in good fun. This will be nothing more than a cheap rehash maximizing on the 30th anniversary of the Bears Super Bowl win”.
Considered a genius when it came to defense, Ryan was a coach in the National Football League for 26 seasons. Fed up with Houston Oilers offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride’s run-and-shoot offense, which he coined the “chuck-and-duck, ” he took a swing at him.
If one word could describe Buddy Ryan it was authentic.
Ryan knew how to get his players going, and on the field, it showed.
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In 1988, the Eagles made a rap song and video for Ryan, entitled “Buddy’s Watchin’ You”. That was how fiercely his players loved him, which is a level of caring and respect we may never again see between today’s players and coaches. Pictured are Buddy Ryan, seated with trophy, Mike Ditka, standing left, and Jim McMahon, seated with headband.
