Here 's an interesting article on him: http://sportsyndicate.blogspot.com/2007/07/doug-plank-inspiration-for-bears-46.html Sunday, July 8, 2007 Doug Plank, Inspiration for Bears 46 Defense, Named Coach of the Year Buddy Ryan named his great 46 defense, which led the 1985 Chicago Bears to the Super Bowl XX title, after the jersey number worn by safety Doug Plank. That was a tribute to Plank's importance to the team and his tough, aggressive style, and it's what he's best known for to football fans. But now Plank has another accomplishment on his resume: He's the Arena Football League coach of the year. Plank led the Georgia Force to a 14-2 record, and they'll play the Philadelphia Soul in the playoffs on Sunday. It's the second time in three years that Plank has won the Arena League coach of the year award. So will Plank ever get a shot to coach in the NFL? Ryan's proteges (including Gregg Williams and Ryan's sons, Rex and Rob) have all been pretty much like he was in the NFL: Good defensive coordinators, but not a lot of success as a head coach. I'd like to see Plank get a shot as an NFL assistant. Thanks to Michael David Smith
Lol, agreed. But seriously, do we know, and I missed it? Or is he just on the staff and that's all the info we received?
Ex-Bear Doug Plank to coach NY Jets defensive backs The legacy of the 46 defense lives — in New York. Buddy Ryan thought so much of Doug Plank that he named his defense for the number Plank wore — 46. So it shouldn't be a surprise that Ryan's son Rex thought so much of Plank that he made him one of his first hires after he became head coach of the Jets. Plank has been hired as assistant defensive backs coach, and the former Bears safety will work with the safeties, NFL sources told the Tribune on Saturday. Plank had been working as a roving assistant coach for the Falcons but was interested in becoming a position coach. Most of Plank's experience has been in the Arena Football League. He was coach of the Georgia Force — coach of the year in 2005 — and defensive coordinator for the Arizona Rattlers. In Ryan's previous job as defensive coordinator of the Ravens, he ran an attacking defense with concepts similar to those of the 46. So Plank, one of the most hard-hitting players in Bears history, should be a perfect philosophical match with his new boss. Meanwhile, Brian Schottenheimer agreed to stay on as the Jets' offensive coordinator despite losing out to Ryan for the top job.
Ah, there it is. Thanks. Sounds encouraging. Whether or not this improves their actual game-skills, it should change their mentality & attitude. Ryan is doing everything necessary to make this team's mindset fierce. I love it.
This sounds like a very good signing. The guy can coach, he won coach of the year twice in the AFL, and we know he knows how to play safty. This signing should be huge for Kerry Rhodes.
Nice, I like the sound of this. If we have the league's most physical team, I will be GIDDY WITH JOY no matter how many games we actually win or lose.
Except for the top two offensive coaching positions, Rex is surrounding himself with his guys and guys he knows through his father. They will be loyal and run it Rex's way! Offense might be a different story and I see a little trouble brewing on the offensive side. Schott will do what he is told but won't like it.
Doug Plank is a great guy and a fantastic coach. I've known him for years and he's been successful everywhere he's been. He's smart, competitive and tough - not bad traits for our defensive backs. Great hire!
I like the fact that Ryan's CS are a bunch of guys who were successful players in the NFL, or guys who are known for winning such as Pettine. Already a more impressive CS then the previous two, at least on paper.
Plank was my favorite player as a kid. He was just ferocious as a Safety. Even in the 1970's, an era with fewer penalties and lots of big hitters, Plank stood out as a guy who could deliver a punishing blow. He should definitely add some toughness to this defense.
