Fisher Remembers A Teacher in Buddy Ryan
- Updated: June 28, 2016
During the dogged days of the NFL, Buddy Ryan stood above all defensive coaches in the 1960’s and bringing complexity and precision when professional football was still merely at its grassroots stage.
Having passed the coaching torch to sons Rex and Rob Ryan, the former defensive coordinator and head coach who spent over 30 years coaching in the league died at 82.
Los Angeles Rams head coach Jeff Fisher expressed his condolences to the Ryan family and Buffalo Bills organization. It was Ryan who mentored and gave Fisher his first coaching job in the NFL.
“Today is a difficult day as I remember my friend and mentor Buddy Ryan,” Fisher said. “Buddy gave me my coaching start in this league and for that, I am forever grateful.”
Ryan was renowned for having created and perfected the 46 defense. His defense and blitzing schemes helped him win two s
Super bowls with the New York Jets and the Chicago Bears. His style of defense opened up the game for linebackers like Mike Singletary who feasted on opposing offenses during the Bears run at the Super Bowl in 1985.
Ryan was also known for intensity and on field confrontations having threatened to fight Mike Ditka and punched Houston Oilers offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride in the face during a game against the Jets in 1994.
Fisher who coached under Ryan for the Chicago Bears and Philadelphia Eagles.was quoted in the LA Times following the incident as saying:
“I was around (Ryan) for so many years that I was able to let that pass. We once had a similar experience on the sideline and he’s the one who addressed the team to say, ‘Look, this is the heat of the battle stuff, and I’m going to react sometimes on the sidelines. I love you guys……..and I’m going to react that way, so don’t be shocked when it happens.’”
Fisher who will be leading the Rams into the 2016 season, reflected on what Ryan’s influence has meant to coaches across the football world.
“His knowledge, passion for football and the love he had for his players and coaches are traits that have shaped and influenced so many careers including my own,” Fisher said. “I will always be grateful for the time I spent with him.”
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