Buddy Ryan, director of perhaps the greatest defense to ever grace an NFL field, the 1985 Chicago Bears, has died at the age of 82.
Ryan's agent, James Solano, announced the news.
Ryan, father of Buffalo Bills head coach Rex Ryan and Bills assistant Rob Ryan, had a 35-year coaching career that included stints as Bears defensive coordinator, Philadelphia Eagles head coach, and Arizona Cardinals head coach.
Ryan was an assistant on three teams that played in the Super Bowl, and won two rings (III, XX). Though Mike Ditka was head coach of the Bears during their 15-1 season in 1985, many believe it was Ryan's suffocating defense that was key to the team's success. Remarkably, the Bears shut out their opponents in both the divisional round and NFC title game before blowing out the New England Patriots to claim the Lombardi Trophy.
Ryan will be remembered as an innovator. His scheme, including use of the 46 defense to maximum effect, continues to shape the way defensive football is played.