Buddy Ryan facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Buddy Ryan

Ryan at the White House in 2011
Personal information
Born:	(1931-02-17)February 17, 1931 Frederick, Oklahoma, U.S.
Died:	June 28, 2016(2016-06-28) (aged 85) Shelbyville, Kentucky, U.S.
Career information
College:	Oklahoma State
Career history
As coach:
Univ. of Buffalo (1961–1965) Defensive line coach Pacific (1966) Defensive line coach Vanderbilt (1967) Defensive line coach New York Jets (1968–1975) Defensive line coach Minnesota Vikings (1976–1977) Defensive line coach Chicago Bears (1978–1985) Defensive coordinator Philadelphia Eagles (1986–1990) Head coach Houston Oilers (1993) Defensive coordinator Arizona Cardinals (1994–1995) Head coach
Career highlights and awards
2× Super Bowl champion as assistant coach (III, XX)
Head coaching record
Regular season:	55–55–1 (.500)
Postseason:	0–3 (.000)
Career:	55–58–1 (.487)
Coaching stats at PFR

James David "Buddy" Ryan (February 17, 1931 – June 28, 2016) was a famous American football coach. He worked in the National Football League (NFL) for 35 seasons. He was known for being a head coach for the Philadelphia Eagles and Arizona Cardinals. He also led the defense for the Chicago Bears and Houston Oilers.

Buddy Ryan helped his teams win two Super Bowl championships as a defensive coach. He was a key part of the New York Jets' Super Bowl III win. He also helped the Chicago Bears win Super Bowl XX. He is famous for creating a special defense called the "46 defense". His sons, Rex Ryan and Rob Ryan, also became NFL coaches.

Early Life and College

Buddy Ryan was born on February 17, 1931, in Frederick, Oklahoma. He grew up in a small farming town. He played college football at Oklahoma A&M University (now Oklahoma State). He was a guard on the team from 1952 to 1955.

After college, he served in the United States Army as a sergeant during the Korean War.

Coaching Career Highlights

Starting Out in Coaching

Buddy Ryan began his coaching journey at Gainesville High School in Gainesville, Texas, in 1957. He was an assistant coach there. Later, he became the head coach for one season.

In 1961, he moved to college coaching. He joined the University at Buffalo as a defensive line coach. His defenses were very strong, getting many shutouts. He then coached at Pacific and Vanderbilt.

New York Jets and Super Bowl III

In 1968, Ryan joined the New York Jets in the AFL. He helped create the defensive plan for Super Bowl III. This plan was very important in holding the Baltimore Colts to only seven points. This win earned Ryan his first Super Bowl ring.

He developed special defensive plays called "blitz packages." These plays were designed to pressure the opposing quarterback.

Minnesota Vikings and the "Purple People Eaters"

From 1976 to 1977, Ryan coached the defensive line for the Minnesota Vikings. Their defensive line was known as the "Purple People Eaters." They were famous for being tough on rival teams.

The 1976 Vikings made it to Super Bowl XI. During this time, Ryan started working on new defensive ideas. These ideas later helped him create the famous 46 defense.

Chicago Bears and the 46 Defense

In 1978, Buddy Ryan became the defensive coordinator for the Chicago Bears. Here, he fully developed the "46 defense." This defense was named after Bears safety Doug Plank. It became very effective by 1981.

The Bears' defensive players really liked Ryan. When head coach Neill Armstrong was fired, they wanted Ryan to be the new head coach. Instead, Mike Ditka was hired. Ryan and Ditka sometimes disagreed, but Ditka usually let Ryan handle the defense.

The 1985 Bears team was amazing. Their defense was one of the best ever. They led the league in almost every defensive stat. They won Super Bowl XX by a score of 46–10. After the Super Bowl win, the defensive players carried Ryan off the field.

Philadelphia Eagles Head Coach

After the Super Bowl win, Ryan became the head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles in 1986. He coached many talented players like Randall Cunningham, Reggie White, and Jerome Brown. He also drafted future Pro Bowl players.

The Eagles made the playoffs in 1988, 1989, and 1990. Ryan was known for his competitive spirit. He was fired by the Eagles in 1991. His record with the Eagles was 43 wins, 35 losses, and 1 tie.

Houston Oilers Defensive Coordinator

In 1993, Ryan became the defensive coordinator for the Houston Oilers. His defense helped the Oilers win 11 games in a row.

During a game against the New York Jets, Ryan had a disagreement with the offensive coordinator, Kevin Gilbride. Ryan felt the offense should have run the ball to end the game, but they passed instead. This led to a heated moment on the sideline.

Arizona Cardinals Head Coach

After his success with the Oilers, Ryan became the head coach and general manager of the Arizona Cardinals in 1994. He promised a winning team.

He led the Cardinals to an 8–8 record in his first year. However, the team struggled in 1995, finishing 4–12. Ryan was fired after two seasons with the Cardinals. His total record there was 12 wins and 20 losses.

Legacy in Football

Buddy Ryan was known as a defensive genius. He helped three different teams reach the Super Bowl as an assistant coach. These teams were the New York Jets, Chicago Bears, and Minnesota Vikings.

He is most famous for creating and perfecting the "46 defense." This defense changed how many teams played. His twin sons, Rex Ryan and Rob Ryan, followed in his footsteps and became NFL coaches too.

Personal Life

Buddy Ryan was married twice. He had three sons with his first wife, Doris. These included his twin sons, Rex and Rob.

He later married Joanie Ryan in 1970. She passed away in 2013 after a long illness.

Buddy Ryan died on June 28, 2016, at his ranch in Shelbyville, Kentucky. He was 85 years old. He had been battling cancer and had a stroke in his later years.

Head Coaching Record