Remembering Buddy Ryan: A Defensive Mastermind And Architect Of The “46” Defense
On this date in 2016, the NFL world lost James David “Buddy” Ryan. The Bears organization and fans alike were lucky enough to witness the mastermind at work. He was the Defensive Coordinator for Chicago from 1978 through their Super Bowl Championship in 1985.
Ryan’s NFL coaching career began in 1968 when he became the Defensive Line Coach for the New York Jets. He, along with Defensive Coordinator Walt Michaels were the masterminds behind the Jets’ defensive performance holding the heavily favored Baltimore Colts to just 7 points in Super Bowl III.
Buddy Ryan left New York and became the DL coach in Minnesota in 1976. The dominance of the Vikings’ defensive line earned the unit the nickname of the “Purple People Eaters.” When Ryan departed after the 1977 season, the Vikings were one of the best teams in the NFC. They played in the conference title game both years. Ryan was on the coaching staff. The Vikings were NFC Champions in 1976.
After Head Coach Jack Pardee abruptly left the Bears after the 1977 season, George Halas was tasked with finding a replacement for both the Head Coach and Defensive Coordinator. Halas hired Buddy Ryan in 1978.
Since his days in New York, where he watched as their Head Coach maximize protection for Joe Namath, Ryan became fixated on pressuring the QB. He came up with several blitz packages. Offenses in the late 70s and into the 80s often lined up with two RBs, two WRs, and one TE. Buddy Ryan designed a defense that put both OLBs over the TE. The MLB had to cover the middle of the field and the strong safety dropped down to fill the weak side.
The Bears starting SS, was Doug Plank, whose jersey number 46 was the inspiration behind the name of what became the most devastating defensive scheme during the era.
“I had to use every bit of knowledge and experience and wisdom I had to come up with game plans to attack this defense. It’s the most singular innovation in defensive football in the last twenty years.” Bill Walsh, former head coach, of the 49ers.
Ryan’s “46” defense was perfected with the addition of Mike Singletary, whose athleticism allowed him the ability to cover the center of the Field. In 1984 Ryan’s defense set a record with 72 sacks in a season. A record that still stands today.
In 1985, the Bears shut out the New York Giants and Los Angeles Rams during the postseason and steamrolled New England 46-10 in Super Bowl XX.
Ryan left Chicago to become Head Coach in Philadelphia, where he coached from 1986-1990. He was the Head Coach for the Arizona Cardinals for two years. His coaching career ended after the 1995 season.
Ryan was a defensive coach for three different teams who played in the Super Bowl. He earned rings winning Super Bowl III with the New York Jets, and Super Bowl XX with Chicago.
On June 28, 2016, after a long battle with cancer, Buddy passed away at his ranch in Shelbyville, KY.
News and Notes
In advance of their preseason game with the Indianapolis Colts, the Bears will head to Indiana a few days early and have two joint workouts with the Colts on August 16th and 17th. Their preseason game vs the Colts is scheduled for Saturday, August 19th. Free tickets for both practice sessions are available while supplies last at Colts.com/camp.