(CBS) Buddy Ryan, the architect of the famed 1985 Bears defense
that led the franchise to its lone Super Bowl title, has died, ESPN.com reported. He was 82.
Ryan spent 35 years coaching in the NFL. He was the head coach of the Eagles from 1986-1990 and the head coach of the Cardinals from 1994-1995.
Those opportunities and his fame were created in large part because of the work he did with the Bears from 1978-’85 as their defensive
He built and directed a ferocious “46” defense that led Chicago to the Super Bowl in 1985, when it allowed only 12.4 points per game and averaged four sacks.
Ryan and head coach Mike Ditka didn’t see eye to eye, but Ditka allowed Ryan the freedom to handle everything defensively.
The Bears carried Ryan off the field after the title.
Ryan was 55-55-1 as a head coach.
He was also a defensive staff member of the Jets team that won the Super Bowl in 1968.
Ryan is the father of Bills coach Rex Ryan and Bills defensive coordinator Rob Ryan.
The Bears also authored two shutouts in three postseason games.