By: Jeremy Trottier

One of the most highly debated topics in all of NFL fandom is what players and positions are undervalued on the field.  In my opinion, I believe the coaching staff of NFL teams is somewhat completely overlooked at times, especially the coordinators of teams.  Today we take a look at the underappreciated, by looking at the top 10 defensive coordinators of all time. 

To clarify any confusion, this is specific to these coaches’ careers at defensive coordinator specifically, so while Bill Belichick may have had a year as a DC, this does not constitute for this list.  It specifically is looking at their career as defensive coordinators or other defensive coaching spots.  So without further ado, let us start at 10.

#10: Tom Landry ”“ DC from 1954-1959

Ok, this may seem like a contradiction to my prior statement, as Tom Landry is heavily revered for his career as a head coach for the Dallas Cowboys, as many forget his tenure that got him a head coaching spot.  Alongside offensive coordinator Vince Lombardi, Landry brought the New York Giants to the NFC Championship game 3 times in 4 seasons, defeating the Chicago Bears in one such game by holding their offense to 7 points, and allowing the offense to run free for the Giants.  Landry is not given enough credit for his 5 seasons in New York, hence why we put him at #10 on this list. 

#9: Chuck Noll ”“ DC & LB coach from 1960-1968

Simply put, one of the most successful coaches of all time.  However, as I mentioned, this is strictly about their impact on defensive coordinating and coaching.  4 Super Bowls are hard to overlook, but his career is so much more than that.  His defensive knowledge pushed him to the 1970s and 1980s all-decade team appearances, obviously the Pro Football Hall of Fame for his accomplishments, and draft knowledge.  Much of his knowledge came from one of the best to ever do it, Sid Gillman, who was an absolutely amazing coach who was capable of developing players at a high rate and coaches at an even higher rate.  Noll stated that he received more NFL exposure in 6 years through Gillman than he would have 12 years anywhere else.  This tree continued through Noll, as he was a high-quality developmental coach and was regarded by defensive tackle Ernie Ladd as the best teacher he ever played under. 

#8: Fritz Shurmur ”“ DC/defensive line coach from 1975-1998

Next up we have one of the bigger names in professional coaching, Fritz Shurmur, who spent a total of 23 years at the NFL level being a defensive coach.  His primary notability as a coach comes from leading the Green Bay Packers defense to a Super Bowl in 1997, aka XXXI.  Shurmur spent 3 seasons with the Detroit Lions in various defensive coaching positions, another 2 seasons with the New England Patriots, 8 seasons with the L.A. Rams, 2 with the Phoenix Cardinals, and then his final 4 with the Packers.  He contributed a ton to the game of football, being seen as an innovator of the game and seen by many peers as a defensive genius.  Widely known for the innovation of the “Big Nickel” defense, where after he had 2 linebackers injured in a game, he had 5 defensive backs drop low enough where they could either rush the passer or drop into coverage.  

#7: Tony Dungy ”“ DC/defensive backs coach from 1980-1995

While Tony Dungy did not necessarily impress heavily as a player, he was a phenomenal defensive mastermind in the game of football.  Spending most of his defensive coaching time with the Pittsburgh Steelers and Minnesota Vikings (with 2 spared years in Kansas City), Dungy is widely revered for his immense success as a head coach, and not his defensive prowess.  But it should be the other way.  Winner of the George Halas Award (NFL personnel who had to overcome the most adversity for success), 2-time Super Bowl Champion (once as a player, once as a coach), 2000s all decade team member, as well as member of two different Rings of Honor (Indianapolis Colts & Tampa Bay Buccaneers).  While most of his notability comes from his head coaching success, he was amazing at developing defensive backs and utilizing them correctly in his scheme.

#6: John Phillip Bengtson ”“ DC from 1951-1967 & 1971

One of the most overlooked personnel in the NFL, John Phillip Bengtson.  Spending a total 17 years as a defensive coordinator, Bengtson was such a phenomenal coordinator that he was chosen to be the successor for legendary head coach Vince Lombardi.  He was also the only coach on the staff to remain all 9 years of Lombardi’s tenure in Green Bay.  Underappreciated because he was not a great head coach, but his defensive coordinating capabilities were highly revered. 

#5: Wade Phillips ”“ DC and DL coach from 1976-1985, 1986-1992, 1995-1997, 2002-2003, 2004-2006, 2011-2013, 2015-2019

The number of years I had to list for this man should simply be enough to explain how much of a legend to the sport he is, but that doesn’t even scratch the surface.  Starting off as a graduates assistant at the University of Houston, he has coached all the way through 2022 in college, highschool, NFL, and next has been named the head coach and GM of the Houston Roughnecks in the XFL.  54 years of coaching in total counting next season, and 25 of which as a defensive coach in the NFL specifically.  He is one of the most prominent figures in football and has coached for some of the best defensive players of all time, including 5 defensive players of the year (Aaron Donald, Reggie White, Bruce Smith, Bryce Paup, and J.J. Watt.)  A Super Bowl winner, specifically the defensive coordinator of the Super Bowl 50 Denver Broncos crushing defense.  Everything you want in a DC.

#4: Bill Arnsparger ”“ DC and DL coach from 1964-1973, 1976-1983, 1992-1994

Arnsparger is primarily known for one thing, that being the defensive coordinator of the Miami Dolphins team that won back-to-back Super Bowls in ’72 and ’73, and then going back to another one in 1982.  The “left hand man” of sorts to sporting legend Don Shula, Bill was a huge part of those Super Bowl runs and would make it to another in 1994 with the San Diego Chargers.  There is a reason he is so high on the list, and it is because he proved his abilities without good players on his roster.  In the 70s his defense was called the no name defense, as the defense had precisely one future Hall of Famer on it, Nick Buoniconti, who was beyond the prime of his career.  Yet the Dolphins went to back-to-back Super Bowls, due to the offense and Bill’s coordinating. 

#3: Leon Bud Carson ”“ DC and DB coach from 1972-1988, 1991-1994, 1997

2-time Super Bowl winning DC, a third appearance, the developer of one of the, if not the best defensive unit in NFL history with the Steel Curtain, and an irreplaceable figure in the NFL landscape, Bud Carson.  In case you don’t remember how amazing the Steel Curtain was, they allowed fewer than 10 points per game in 1976, and essentially was the winning factor in both their 1974 and 1975 Super Bowl victories.  Bud Carson was the developer of this defensive unit, which alone puts him near the top of this list.

#2: Buddy Ryan ”“ DC and DL coach from 1968-1985 & 1993

The list goes on and on and on for Buddy Ryan, with accolades and contributions to the sport.  Bullet points seem like the most applicable way to cover just some of his illustrious career:

• 2 time Super Bowl winner (III & XX)
• Overseer of the Purple People Eaters unit
• Creator of the “46 defense” (8 men in the box, 6 on the line of scrimmage)
• 16 years as a defensive coach, another 5 as a head coach
• Held SB III opponent Baltimore Colts to 7 points
• Creator of the 59 blitz, taco bell blitz, and cheeseburger blitz
• Lost only 1 game in 1985 season with Bears on route to Super Bowl win

Another interesting tidbit to show how much the players loved him, is the Bears heavily pushed for him to be their head coach after departure of Neill Armstrong (the head coach).  While he did not get the position, when the Bears won the Super Bowl, they carried off both head coach Mike Ditka and Buddy Ryan, the first time two coaches got carried off the field at the Super Bowl.  Buddy’s contributions to the game are immense, and he has gone down as one of the best defensive coaches ever. 

#1: Monte Kiffin ”“ DC, LB coach, and defensive assistant from 1983-2009 & 2013-2019

Easily one of the most prominent defensive coordinators of all time, as his name is known across the sport by nearly anyone who has watched the sport long term.  Creator of one of the most utilized defensive schemes, Tampa 2, Kiffin was a creator, and that is why he ends up on this list.  32 years as a defensive coach, simply put, is amazing, and the reason he has so little experience as a head coach is even more interesting.  He has openly refused jobs as a head coach every single time, he has only been a head coach once in his career with North Carolina State University for 2 seasons, and never again since then, which adds to his legacy in this case as we are focusing on the defensive coordinator and coaching aspects.  A long-time defensive mind of the NFL, 1x Super Bowl champion (XXXVII) and Tampa Bay ring of honor member. 

Simply put, there is a reason he is at the top of this list, and it is because of how much he was able to contribute to the sport of football. 

The post Who are the top 10 defensive coordinators of all time? appeared first on Pro Football Mania.

By: Jake Rajala

The mythical figure and defensive genius Buddy Ryan simply revolutionized the game of football. Ryan created the notorious 46 defense and he’s the architect behind imposing the 1985 Chicago Bears defense. Mike Singletary, who was the middle linebacker and leader of the defense once nicely reflected on the theme of the ”˜85 Bears defense in the following statement. Singletary stated, “the 46 defense, to make it very plain and to the point, it’s all about pressure. It is all about pressure!”. 

It was well noted that the Bears defense was vicious and an opposing QB’s worst nightmare. The ”˜85 defense truly hasn’t seen a defense match the same aggression and success to this day. And it appears that the blood boiling, cigar-smoking, guru Buddy Ryan is starting to steadily gain more praise and recognition after his passing in 2016. 

It’s clearly known that Ryan was the trigger-happy defensive coordinator for the Bears, but it’s not quite known what personal journey the infamous character has been on. In this outlook, I’m going to take you through the wild west journey of the greek god-like figure Buddy Ryan. 

Ryan had goals of playing college football after his high school years. But, he first served in a very combative war overseas before ever stepping onto a college campus. He was actually a teenager (17) when he enrolled in the national guard and was called to serve in the war. He arrived in Korea on Christmas Day. Ryan recalled that his attitude wasn’t great, but he decided he had to be the best soldier that he could be. He was quickly promoted to Master sergeant in his time. According to the Baltimore Sun, Ryan said he saw his buddies die by his side and he even saved one from a “rice paddy” after he was shot in the shoulder. 

Ryan had quite the resilient and badass upbringing if you ask me. Ryan clearly incorporated his teachings from the military into his no BS approach with football coaching. 

Ryan wouldn’t be the only Super Bowl-winning coach to play college football and play even college football as an offensive lineman. The New England Patriots six-time Super Bowl champion, Bill Belichick played center and tight end at Wesleyan University. Yes, you read that correctly. Belichick would suffer a gruesome injury in a practice drill that isn’t used today. The former Wesleyan student would then play lacrosse after his short-lived football career. The talented and creative Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay played wide receiver for Miami University, where he caught 39 passes and recorded 312 yards. 

The list of former NFL coaches to serve in the military is quite fascinating, as well. George Halas served in World War 1 and World War 2. After Halas served in WW1, he won a Rose Bowl MVP as a player at the University of Illinois. His tale even gets more surreal, as he played for the New York Yankees later that summer. Don Shula and Tom Landry (both Top 5 NFL coaches in history) also served in wars. Shula was fighting in the Korean War, while Landry served in WW2. The toughness and culture from their military days clearly wore off on them in them in astonishing ways.  

After Ryan finished his collegiate playing career, he had his eye on coaching football. He, just like his disciple Gregg Williams, started his coaching career in high school. He spent four years coaching in HS (two as an assistant/two as the head coach). The motivated Ryan started coaching the defensive line in the collegiate ranks and he wouldn’t look back, as he coached a terrific DL for Univ. of Buffalo (61-65), Pacific (66), and Vanderbilt (67). He was a part of fearless and terrorizing defenses, particularly at Buffalo. This helped me get special attention for a coaching shot at the NFL level.

The Ryan sage acquired an NFL coaching job in the Big Apple in 1968, which would be the same city that his son Rex would later pick up a head coaching job. It would of course be Gregg William’s last stay as a DC, as well. Ryan would prove to be no slouch or pencil holding assistant in his time in New York. He showed the same sense of urgency that he previously showed in the military, as he instilled pivotal new blitzes into the defense, and he ultimately played a big role in helping the Jets win Super Bowl three by a score of 16-7. There have only been seven Super Bowl contests in NFL history where a team scored below 7 points. 

Ryan would continue to grow his arsenal of aggressive, creative tactics in his time as an NFL assistant. In 1976, he joined the Minnesota Vikings as the defensive line coach. You guessed it. Ryan was the ring leader and DL coach behind the “Purple People Eaters”. Jim Marshall, Carl Eller, Alan Page, and Gary Larsen were the bloog hungry Vikings defensive legends. 

It’s worth noting that Ryan wasn’t responsible for the berth or success of the behemoth Vikings defensive lineman, though. In 1969, the four “Mount Rushmore” DL all earned an All-Pro nod. Clearly, he wasn’t calling the shots when the Eaters were at the top of their game. The All-Pro honors awarded to the four Viking defensive lineman was the only time four DL from the same team made All-Pro in the same year.

The former Jets assistant would still utilize the super villain defensive lineman to his utmost advantage. Ryan was a key figure for the Vikings in a Super Bowl trip in 1977. This would also mark his second Super Bowl appearance as a coach. Ryan’s NFC champion squad would get pummeled by Al Davis’s Oakland Raider squad by a score of 32-14. Ken Stabler’s offense truly blew off fireworks against what was left of the Purple Eaters. 

In 1978, Ryan’s legacy and ego took an incredible leap as he started his days as the Chicago Bear’s defensive coordinator. The owner George Halas gave Ryan his first opportunity to command a defense. So, what did Ryan do? The rising NFL figure blended his different trains of thoughts together and unleashed the 46 defense. 

This is how the 46 defense is simply laid out. There’s four DL: one DE on the outside shade of the tackle, both DT on the outside shade of the guard and then the best DL over the center. The three LBs are together on the strong side (aka the TE side). The most gifted pass rusher will play on the outside shade of the TE, while the other OLB plays head up on the TE. The MLB (mike linebacker) plays five yards off the ball in between the nearest OLB and the nearest DT. Then the strong safety essentially lines up as the weakside ILB. His role is very, very important because he needs to play the run, cover the pass, and pressure the QB. The SS was so important to Buddy Ryan in 1978 that Ryan named the defense 46, which was named after SS Doug Plank, who held the number 46. 

As stated early on in the piece, the goal of the 46 defense was to pressure the offense and HIT THE QB. The Bears defenders in the front 7 saw the scheme as mismatch heaven. They had an abundance of sack opportunities and it was truly “meet at the QB” every other play for the ferocious Bears defense (half-serious). 

The Bears surrendered a mere 198 points in 1985, which was actually improved in 1986 where the D gave up 187 points (NFL record). Still, the 1985 defense had just a bit more bite and prominence at the highest level. Here is an example of how unearthly talented the Bears defense was in the 1986 playoffs: 

Divisional round: New York Giants scored 0 points

Championship round: Los Angeles Rams scored 0 points

Super Bowl: New England Patriots scored 10 points 

The Bears defense simply played better than any prior NFL defense or future NFL defense in postseason history in the surreal 1986 playoffs. Ryan’s innovative defense and “win at all costs” philosophy helped the Bears win their first Super Bowl. The victory would lead to head coach Mike Ditka and Buddy Ryan getting carried off the field. It was the only moment a head coach and defensive coordinator would be carried off the field by players. 

In the following offseason, Ryan was introduced as the next head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles. Ryan finally struck gold as a head coach at the highest level of competition. It was a long journey for the macho coach that was an army sergeant, high school assistant coach, high school head coach, assistant college coach, NFL assistant, NFL defensive coordinator, and finally NFL head coach. 

Ryan brought his swagger and team disciple to the “city of brotherly love”. The Eagles team was in rebuild mode for the first two seasons, as the Eagles went 5-10-1 in year one and 7-8 in year two. Fortunately, the Eagles management was patient with Ryan and the HC was able to stick around after two non-winning seasons in the feisty city. The patience paid off with Ryan, as the team reached the playoffs in 1988, 1989, and 1990. In 1989, Ryan also faced a lot of heat for placing a $500 bounty on Troy Aikman and a $200 bounty on the Cowboys kicker in a classic NFC East showdown. 

Ryan was controversially fired after a 10-6 season in 1990 because the team lost their third playoff game straight. The Eagles former owner Norman Braman stated “We hope we’ve made the moves today that will get us, hopefully to the promised land”. The Eagles would then not go onto win a Super Bowl until the 2017-2018 season with backup QB Nick Foles. 

The former Eagles HC would join the Houston Oilers as the defensive coordinator in 1993 and stay there for a season. His path would crossover with Gregg Williams, who joined the team as the special teams coordinator. Ryan also made a lot of noise in the season for striking his head coach, Kevin Gilbride, during a game. After a mere season, Ryan fled the Oilers to pick up his second head coaching gig. He also unsuccessfully tried to franchise tag Williams to come with him, which was possible between coaches at that time. The old school Ryan would then have a second crack at a head coaching gig with the Arizona Cardinals. It was a very challenging project for Ryan, as the team went 32-64 in their previous six seasons. Ryan did unfortunately and unsurprisingly to many, flame out of the Cardinals gig after record of 12-20 in two seasons. 

1995 would then be Ryan’s last presence in the NFL. Geoffery Chaucer, who was arguably the greatest English poet of the Middle Ages, once said “all good things must come to an end”. This quote held true to even Buddy Ryan’s existence in the professional football league. 

Buddy Ryan was no longer a face in the NFL, but that didn’t stop the Ryan name from leaving its mark on the national football league. Buddy Ryan had two twin sons named Rex and Rob, who would both literally follow in his footsteps. Rex was notably the defensive line coach for the 2000 Baltimore Ravens squad that demolished the New England Patriots 34-7 in Super Bowl XXXV. Rex, who is five minutes older than Rob, ascended into the defensive coordinator chair for the Ravens in 2005-2008 and he would then finally earn himself a head coaching opportunity in 2009. Rex was introduced as the New York Jets head coach in 2009 and he would remain there until 2014. When it seemed like Ryan was washed up, he picked up his second head coaching gig in 2015 with another AFC East squad in the Buffalo Bills. Ryan wouldn’t reach a Super Bowl, but he did gather two AFC championship appearances in back to back seasons with the Jets (2009 season, 2010 season).

The majestic white hair Rob Ryan would also find defensive success in the NFL. Rob wouldn’t climb to the NFL head coaching ranks, but was a long-standing DC in the league. Although, Ryan struggled to find prominent success in the 12 years he held as a DC. He only coached one defense that was Top 13 in points allowed, while coaching seven defenses that were ranked 24th or lower in pts allowed. Ryan did find superb success as the Saints DC in 2013, where his unit ranked fourth in YPG allowed and PPG allowed. Unfortunately, the Saints high end success on defense didn’t stick and Ryan was kicked out of the Big Easy after the Saints defense finished 32nd in PPG allowed in 2015. Currently, Rex Ryan is an ESPN analyst, while Rob Ryan is the ILB coach for the Baltimore Ravens. 

On June 28th, 2016, heartbreaking news swarmed the Ryan family and the football world. The football wizard, Buddy Ryan, passed away at the age of 85. He died peacefully at his ranch in Shelbyville, Kentucky. The following day, Former Bears DT told ESPN “I wonder who just lost their defensive coordinating job in heaven”. 

Shortly after the iconic football mind passed away, Gregg Williams sat down with NFL Network to talk about the impact Ryan played on his life as a football coach and a person. Williams told NFL Network on how he combined a few different defensive schemes from the likes of Buddy Carson, Dick Labeau, and Buddy Ryan. He cemented the fact that took more out of Buddy Ryan’s playbook than any other special defensive mind. Furthermore, Williams expressed the magic that he really captured from coaching under him in the Houston Oiler days. He stated “there’s the Buddy Ryan coaching in how you get players to do more than they’ve ever done before”. Williams proudly stated that Ryan would give him a call on every memorial day and he would heckle him to use his favorite calls more. 

Ryan left a rare impact on his players, assistant coaches, family, and millions of NFL fans throughout the 1980s and 1990s. There hasn’t been a defense that’s matched the same spirit as 1985 Bears defense and there hasn’t been another defensive coordinator to be carried off the field in a Super Bowl victory. 

The post Buddy Ryan: The creator of the 1985 Bears defense appeared first on Pro Football Mania.