Buddy Ryan, NFL coach and defensive mastermind, dies at 85

Photo by: AP PhotoAP Pro Football Writer

Buddy Ryan, the pugnacious coach who masterminded two fierce defenses that won Super Bowl titles and whose twin sons have been successful NFL coaches, died Tuesday. He was 85.

His death was confirmed by the Buffalo Bills, who are coached by Rex Ryan. James Solano, Buddy Ryan's agent, said he died in Kentucky but did not give a cause. Ryan lived on a ranch in Shelbyville.

"Buddy was a legend in our league in so many ways," the Bills said in a statement. "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…