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Legenday NFL coach Buddy Ryan dies

Posted at 9:14 AM, Jun 28, 2016
and last updated 2016-06-28 22:20:46-04

Former NFL head coach Buddy Ryan has died at the age of 82.

Ryan coached in the NFL for 35 seasons, winning a Super Bowl on the defensive staff with the New York Jets in 1968, and with the Chicago Bears in the 1985 season.  According to ESPN, Ryan was known for, "building some of football's top defenses behind a relentlessness that focused on creating havoc on the field."

Ryan coached for a number of other teams including the Philadelphia Eagles and Arizona Cardinals.  He was also a defensive line coach for the UB Bulls, where he was with the team from 1961-1965.

The legendary coach is the father of Bills head coach Rex Ryan, and Bills assistant head coach Rob Ryan.

The Buffalo Bills  issued the following statement on the passing of Buddy Ryan:

"Terry and Kim Pegula and the Buffalo Bills organization want to express their deepest sympathies and condolences to Rex, Rob and the entire Ryan family on the passing of their dad, Buddy Ryan. Buddy was a legend in our league in so many ways. 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 still utilized effectively by teams today. Buddy's influence will be carried on by defensive coaches for generations to come, but none more so than by Rex and Rob. Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with the Ryan family today."

UB Athletic Director Allen Greene released the following statement from the university:

“Today we lost an icon, a legend and an innovator. Buddy Ryan was an outstanding ambassador for the University at Buffalo during his time as an assistant coach under Dick Offenhamer from 1961-65.  We want to express our deepest condolences to the Ryan family and everyone affected by his passing.”