Buddy Ryan started coaching with the New York Jets in the 1960's. Buddy and Walt Michaels defensive game plan instrumental in holding the NFL's Baltimore Colts to 7 points in the 3rd AFL-NFL Championship Game, and earning Buddy his first Super Bowl ring.

Buddy Ryan went to Minnesota Vikings where he was integral indirecting the teams dominating defense. The defensive unit was know as the "Purple People Eaters" was heralded for the defensive line's ability to punish the rivals. The Vikings motto was to "Meet at the quarterback." This unit helped the Vikings to post-season play from 1973-1978.

In 1978, Neill Armstrong was hired by the Chicago Bears. Armstrong made the playoffs once in his 4 seasons with the Bears, most importantly Coach Armstrong brought in Buddy Ryan as defensive coordinator. Buddy would revolutionize defensive football with his "46" package. Buddy would revolutionize the offensive football as well, as offensive thinkers now had to come up with a quick passing game to neutralize the Ryan-inspired pass rush. Buddy Ryan became a house hold name of sorts in the early 1980's. Coach Armstrong was fired in 1982, and replaced by Mike Ditka. Buddy was retained as defensive coordinator, in part after the players presented a petition to owner George Halas.

Coach Ditka and Coach Ryan were always in disagreement with each other. During the 1985 season Ditka and Ryan had words at halftime against the Dolphins when they were trailing the Dolphins. This was never documented that Ditka and Ryan got into a fight after they lost to the Dolphins. That gave the Bears their first lost in the season. The Bears finished with a 15-1 record and went to win the Super Bowl against the New England Patriots 46-10.

During the 1985-86 season, Ryan became head coach of the Philladelphia Eagles. Buddy transformed that team. Almost every season they went to the playoffs. They never went to the Super Bowl. Ryan cut Chris Carter for his drug use. Hoping that it would help Chris with his addiction. Then Ryan cut a few more players. Ryan had a losing season and was fired.
Buddy Finished his last 2 seasons with the Arizona Cardinals. His first year he went
8-8, and his last year he went 4-12. Now his retired in his kentucky home. Now he is raising race horses. Buddy ryan was one of the finest coaches I have seen. He was the smartest coaches I have ever watched. He knew how to turn teams around. He just could not get it done in Arizona. I think he could still coach if he wanted to.

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