Longtime Bears defensive coordinator Buddy Ryan has passed away at the age of 82, agent James Solano reportedly confirmed Tuesday.
Ryan served in that role from 1978-85, building one of the most prolific defenses in NFL history. The famed 1985 unit featuring Ryan’s innovative “46” scheme dominated opponents and led the Bears to a 46-10 rout of the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XX.
Ryan was a gruff and hard-nosed coach, but his players loved him.