In the early hours of Tuesday morning, the sports world lost two legendary coaches. In addition to the passing of longtime Tennessee women’s basketball coach Pat Summit at the age of 64, the one and only Buddy Ryan also passed away.
Ryan, 82, was revered as a defensive innovator over a coaching career that spanned four decades. After working as a defensive line coach in Buffalo during the early years of his career, he went on to serve as defensive coordinator for the Chicago Bears and Houston Oilers, and also worked as head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles and Arizona Cardinals.
Ryan led the defense of the 1985-86 Bears, strongly considered one of the best defensive units in league history. They helped bring home one of Ryan’s two Super Bowl rings, beating the Patriots 46-10 in Super Bowl XX. In that game, the Bears set or tied Super Bowl records for sacks (seven), fewest rushing yards allowed (seven), and largest margin of victory (36).
Buddy was also father to two of the NFL’s biggest current names in coaching — Rex and Rob Ryan. The eldest Ryan’s strong and bold personality clearly rubbed off on his sons, who are by far the most entertaining coaches in the league.
Following the news of his passing, many from around football (and sports, in general) took to social media to remember the unstoppable force that was Buddy Ryan.
RIP Buddy Ryan, one of the great defensive innovators and minds in NFL history.
— Peter King (@peter_king) June 28, 2016
https://twitter.com/smartfootball/status/747770345071984641
"Buddy was such an integral part of the @ChicagoBears."
Mike Ditka on Buddy Ryan's football legacy. #RIPBuddy https://t.co/ftwE7O7bHc
— NFL (@NFL) June 28, 2016
#RipBuddyRyan thx 4 being my first defensive influence. The #NFL has lost another defensive innovator. #46Defense
— Ron Rivera (@RiverboatRonHC) June 28, 2016
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) June 28, 2016
In 1981, Bears players wrote a letter to keep Buddy Ryan.
In 2015, it was Ryan writing the letter to his players. pic.twitter.com/krIuIu9Sy3
— 30 for 30 (@30for30) June 28, 2016
RIP coach Buddy Ryan. I had the privilege of playing for both his sons. #85BEARSd pic.twitter.com/vNeOJ3O0YL
— Braylon Edwards (@OfficialBraylon) June 28, 2016
RIP Buddy Ryan. #Bears 🐻⬇️ pic.twitter.com/F6Alfpnpfn
— Jarrett Payton (@paytonsun) June 28, 2016
R.I.P Buddy Ryan! May we ever celebrate the stamp that you've put on this game and on the lives of the players you've coached! #Respect 🙌🏾
— Malcolm Jenkins (@MalcolmJenkins) June 28, 2016
My prayers to the Ryan family #restinparadisebuddy
— Muhammad Wilkerson (@mowilkerson) June 28, 2016
RIP Buddy Ryan – Our thoughts and prayers go to the Ryan family – We thank them for sharing Buddy with us @Eagles fans
— Jay Wright (@CoachJayWright) June 28, 2016
Buddy Ryan's #Bears defense had a streak of 166 scoreless minutes in 1985-86 playoffs.
Decent.
— Eric Edholm (@Eric_Edholm) June 28, 2016
Buddy Ryan's influence in the game cannot be overstated and while tempers could flare on occasion, his coaches and players loved him dearly
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) June 28, 2016
RIP Buddy Ryan, who lived out every Giants fans dream of punching Kevin Killdrive in the face pic.twitter.com/7xTdhKed1z
— Clem (@TheClemReport) June 28, 2016
https://twitter.com/xmasape/status/747774654266253312
https://twitter.com/ESPNStatsInfo/status/747784035422838784
https://twitter.com/smartfootball/status/747772035154182145
https://twitter.com/KissMeSuzy/status/747767617453236224
Buddy Ryan's 1985 Bears D had four shutouts, counting playoffs. There were three shutouts in the entire 2015 NFL season, counting playoffs.
— Michael David Smith (@MichaelDavSmith) June 28, 2016
Buddy Ryan once faked a kneeldown to run up the score against the Dallas Cowboys. He ruled. R.I.P. https://t.co/wbTwOXOhbg
— Dan McQuade (@dhm) June 28, 2016
Buddy Ryan blessed this world with 2 of the most beautiful creatures we've ever seen. Thank you, Buddy. RIP in Peace
— KFC (@KFCBarstool) June 28, 2016
This is my favorite Buddy era thing: https://t.co/DGW8ttPCkB
— Jimmy Kempski (@JimmyKempski) June 28, 2016
