Buddy Ryan, pro football’s famously combative defensive innovator who helped propel the Jets and the Chicago Bears to Super Bowl championships, died on Tuesday in Kentucky. He was 82.
His death was confirmed by the Buffalo Bills; his son Rex is head coach for the team and son Rob is an assistant. James Solano, Ryan’s agent, said Ryan died in Kentucky, where he owned a ranch in Shelbyville, The Associated Press reported. Solano did not give a cause. Ryan had previously been treated for skin cancer.
In his seven years as a head coach, with the Philadelphia Eagles and Arizona Cardinals, Ryan never won a playoff game.