The architect of the “46” defense, Ryan joined the Eagles after an eight-year run as the Chicago Bears defensive coordinator. Ryan helped lead the 1985 Bears to a 15-1 record and a Super Bowl victory. That defense, led by players like Mike Singletary, Leslie Frazier and William Perry, is arguably one of the top defensive units in the history of the NFL.
Upon arriving in Philadelphia in 1986, Ryan brought that edge to the Eagles’ defense as well. Ryan was instrumental in the early development of young players such as Reggie White, Jerome Brown Seth Joyner, Eric Allen and Clyde Simmons, among others.