Defensive Guru Buddy Ryan Passes Away At 82

The 1985 Super Bowl Champion Chicago Bears lost a valuable member today as former defensive coordinator Buddy Ryan passed away at 82. Ryan coached for 26 seasons and is most known for being carried off the field during the Bears Super Bowl season. Ryan was the inventor for the infamous 46 defense that went out to become a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks. He is still the only defensive coordinator ever to be carried off the field during a Super Bowl victory.

Buddy Ryan is the father of Bills head coach Rex Ryan and Bills assistant Rob Ryan. The Bills recently released a press release regarding the passing of Buddy.

He later went on to become the head coach of the Eagles and Cardinals compiling a record of 55-55-1. My favorite Buddy Ryan moment however came as a defensive coordinator for the Houston Oilers. The then 59 year old Ryan threw a punch at offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride and always had a way of showing off his fiery spirit. Ryan will be missed among the NFL community. Before he passed Ryan left a letter to every member of the 1985 Bears team that can be seen on their 30 for 30 production.