Legendary football coach Buddy Ryan has died at the age of 82.
Ryan, the father of Buffalo Bills head coach Rex Ryan and Assistant Head Coach/Defense Rob Ryan, coached in the NFL for 35 seasons and was known for building some of football's top defenses.
He was on the defensive staff of the Super Bowl-winning New York Jets in Super Bowl III in 1968. He made his name as the defensive mastermind behind the 1985 Chicago Bears, the Super Bowl champions who are often considered among the greatest defensive teams in professional football history. Ryan helped the Bears destroy the New England Patriots 46-10 in Super Bowl XX.
Kicking off his youth football camp, former Buffalo Bills quarterback Jim Kelly recalled the Ryan defense.
"Everyone knew when you play a Buddy Ryan defense, you knew that you're in for a battle, and he proved it when he went to the Super Bowl, when he won the Super Bowl with the Chicago Bears. He was a great coach," Kelly said.
Ryan's long career included a stint on the staff of the University at Buffalo and that of another Super Bowl Champion, the 1968 New York Jets. He was also the head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles and the Arizona Cardinals.
In a statement, the Buffalo Bills expressed sympathies and condolences to Rex, Rob and the entire Ryan family on the passing of their dad:
"Buddy Ryan. Buddy was a legend in our league in so many ways. His defenses were innovative and he was a master at putting his talented and tough players in a position to succeed. He was a real game changer and much of his philosophies and defensive tactics are still utilized effectively by teams today. Buddy's influence will be carried on by defensive coaches for generations to come, but none more so than by Rex and Rob. Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with the Ryan family today."