James David Ryan, known to the football world as "Buddy," had a long and fruitful career as a no-nonsense, straight-talking assistant coach and head coach in the National Football League.
His former players have called him a groundbreaking genius for his relentless, aggressive schemes. The 1984 Chicago Bears defense, with Ryan calling the shots, set the league’s single-season sack record (72). The 1985 Bears, with Ryan’s 46 defense that overpowered the New England Patriots in a 46-10 win in Super Bowl XX, was likely his fifth symphony.
Former Bears coach Mike Ditka, who often feuded with Ryan during their time together with the team, said Tuesday morning that Ryan "was way ahead of his time.