Posted on 06/28/2016 9:44:44 PM PDT by MaxistheBest
Buddy Ryan, a longtime coach who built perhaps the greatest defense in NFL history with the 1985 Bears, has died at the age of 85.
Beloved by his players and hated by opposing offenses (and sometimes hated even by his own offenses), Ryan masterminded Chicago’s 46 defense that won Super Bowl XX. He later served as head coach of an Eagles team that had a great defense in its own right, and ended his coaching career as head coach of the Cardinals in 1994 and 1995.
Ryan’s 35-year career as a football coach began in 1961 as a defensive line coach with the University at Buffalo Bulls, and in 1968 he moved to the Jets, helping them win Super Bowl III. He spent two years with the Vikings in 1976 and 1977 before George Halas hired him to coach the Bears’ defense in 1978.
It was with the Bears that Ryan saw his greatest success. Although Mike Ditka was the head coach, many thought it was Ryan’s coaching of the defense that really made the 1985 Bears one of the best teams in NFL history. After Super Bowl XX, the Bears carried both Ditka and Ryan off the field.
A fiery competitor, Ryan’s best-remembered moment in coaching came at the end of the 1993 season, his only year as defensive coordinator of the Houston Oilers. Upset with the Oilers’ offensive play calling, Ryan punched offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride in a nationally televised sideline skirmish.
Ryan is survived by his twin sons, Bills head coach Rex Ryan and Bills assistant coach Rob Ryan.
Great defensive mind. Super Bowl Jets, Super Bowl Vikings, Super Bowl Bears, Eagles. All great defenses that attacked the QB. Funny guy. Referred to players by their numbers, even in the hotel corridors.
The Bounty Bowl
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bounty_Bowl
NFL Legend. RIP.
I will never forget that one and Buddy will always be known for that.
>>Although Mike Ditka was the head coach, many thought it was Ryan’s coaching of the defense that really made the 1985 Bears one of the best teams in NFL history.
There WERE NOT one of the best teams in NFL history. The 1985 NFL was one of the weakest years in history. The Bears were literally the only good team. With basically the same team for several years, the Bears didn’t win another playoff game until 1988, and in 1985 they won 3 of the 5 total they won in the decade! The Cowboys and 49ers both had 3 playoff wins by the end of 1981. Hell, the Cowboys teams that never got to the Super Bowls in the early 1980s were better than the Bears team that did and won.
It would be accurate to say the Bears had a stout defense, giving up only 12 points per game, but even that is a bit misleading. Only 5 of those wins were over teams with a better than .500 record. The steel curtain or Doomsday probably would have had 6 or 7 shutouts. The Bears had 2 and gave up 29 and 24 to Tampa and Minnesota respectively. Plus, the ‘86 Bears, WITHOUT RYAN, gave up fewer points per game than the ‘85 one.
Out of all SB winners, I’d put this Bears team in the upper part of the lower half. Right around the middle, give or take 3 teams. McMahon was one of the 10 worst QBs to win the SB. He had some talent but couldn’t stay healthy, didn’t work very hard, and was a bit of a crap-head.
Maybe true. But those Bears had the best football player of all time in their backfield. And I’m not talking about the Fridge.
Buddy lives rent free in Dan Dierdorf’s head.
Buddy Ryan was always a jerk. It also seems that his twin sons are following suit.
Houston Oiler Sean Jones said he knew all about Ryan and was worried when he first took over the Oilers and called Jones to his office. Ryan said “I heard you’re an asshole. I’m making you team captain.”
Secondly, that roster was stacked with nine Pro Bowlers, several players who were among the best of their era at their positions, and may end up with a half-dozen players in the Hall of Fame.
I find it interesting that he probably would have retired with a much better reputation if he had never become a head coach. All of these articles about his passing describe him as a defensive mastermind, but I also remember him as a head coach with a mediocre career record and an abysmal playoff track record even with some strong Philadelphia teams.
It was a wake on sports radio in Philly yesterday. (and today so far) Heard an interview with a Bears defensive lineman. (my memory) Buddy asked him first day in training camp if he was ready to work. He said "yes coach, I've been running miles with my dog for months." Buddy made him take every snap. At the end of practice Buddy said "I should have drafted the dog."
Who?
The 1991 Eagles defense was pretty darned good, too. Ryan had another lopsided team with all the talent on the Defensive side of the roster. Randall Cunningham — another talented but (at the time) undisciplined QB.
The Eagles never won a playoff game under Ryan. They were a rollercoaster week to week. Alternately playing the tough teams tough, and the the weak teams weak. I loved the bluster, but Ryan was not a head coach.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.