 Ryan at the White House in 2011 | |
| Personal information | |
|---|---|
| Born: | February 17, 1931 Frederick, Oklahoma, U.S. |
| Died: | June 28, 2016 (aged 85) Shelbyville, Kentucky, U.S. |
| Career information | |
| College: | Oklahoma State |
| Career history | |
| As a coach: | |
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| As an executive: | |
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| Career highlights and awards | |
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| Head coaching record | |
| Regular season: | 55–55–1 (.500) |
| Postseason: | 0–3 (.000) |
| Career: | 55–58–1 (.487) |
| Coaching stats at PFR | |
| Executive profile at PFR | |
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 from 1986 to 1990, and of the Arizona Cardinals from 1994 to 1995. Ryan also served as the defensive coordinator of the Chicago Bears from 1978 to 1985, and of the Houston Oilers in 1993. Coaching multiple Hall of Fame defensive players throughout his career, Ryan is considered by many to be one of the greatest defensive minds in the history of American football.[1]
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.[2]
- ^ Donahue, Ben (February 26, 2023). "The Life And Career Of Buddy Ryan (Story)". Pro Football History. Retrieved September 12, 2023.
- ^ Sessler, Marc (June 28, 2016). "Buddy Ryan's passion, intensity lives on in twin sons". NFL.com. Archived from the original on August 14, 2022. Retrieved August 14, 2022.