8-K

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, DC 20549

_______________________

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT
PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

October 17, 2006
Date of Report
(Date of earliest event reported)

THE RYLAND GROUP, INC.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)

Maryland	001-08029	52-0849948
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation)	(Commission File Number)	(IRS Employer Identification No.)

24025 Park Sorrento, Suite 400, Calabasas, California	91302
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)	(ZIP Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (818) 223-7500

Not Applicable
(Former Name or Former Address, if Changed Since Last Report)

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the Registrant under any of the following provisions:

o Written communication pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

o Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

o Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

o Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

Item 5.02               Departure of Directors or Principal Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Principal Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers

On October 17, 2006, The Ryland Group, Inc. (the “Company”), announced in a press release that Kip Scott, Executive Vice President and North Central Region President, will be promoted to Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer.  In his new position, Mr. Scott will have responsibility for all of the Company’s homebuilding operations throughout the country.  The press release is attached as Exhibit 99 and the information in the release is incorporated herein by reference.  The information in this report, including Exhibit 99, shall be deemed to be "filed" for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and shall be incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

Item 9.01               Financial Statements and Exhibits

(d)Exhibits

Exhibit 99         Press release dated October 17, 2006

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

	THE RYLAND GROUP, INC.
Date: October 17, 2006	By:	/s/ TIMOTHY J. GECKLE
		Timothy J. Geckle
		Senior Vice President, General Counsel
		and Secretary

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EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit Number	Description
99	Press release dated October 17, 2006

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EX-99

Exhibit 99

The Ryland Group, Inc.

  www.ryland.com

News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE	CONTACT:	Drew Mackintosh, Vice President, Investor Relations
		Investor Relations     (818) 223-7548
		Marya Jones, Director, Communications
		Media Relations        (818) 223-7591

Ryland Names Kip Scott Chief Operating Officer, Promotes Division Presidents

CALABASAS, Calif. (Oct. 17, 2006) — The Ryland Group, Inc. (NYSE: RYL), one of the nation’s largest homebuilders, today announced Kipling “Kip” Scott as its Chief Operating Officer.  In this newly created position, Mr. Scott will oversee Ryland’s homebuilding, marketing, purchasing and safety operations under the direction of Chairman, President and CEO Chad Dreier.

Mr. Scott is a 25-year veteran of the real estate industry.  He most recently served as president of Ryland Homes’ North Central region, where he was responsible for nine homebuilding divisions in the Mid-Atlantic, Midwest and Texas.  During his 13-year career with Ryland, Mr. Scott led the North Central region to record growth and profit and was a key player in the company’s entrance into the Chicago and Twin Cities markets.

“This promotion recognizes Kip Scott’s instrumental role in Ryland’s success over the past 13 years,” said Mr. Dreier.  “I look forward to drawing on Kip’s leadership and experience as we surmount the current slowdown and prepare for the return to stronger market conditions.”

Before joining Ryland, Mr. Scott was president and owner of Development Management Services, Inc., a development and consulting firm specializing in all areas of new-home development.  He previously served as vice president of new-home operations for the J.C. Nichols Company, one of the country’s largest developers.  Mr. Scott holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Missouri.

—more—

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RYLAND NAMES KIPLING SCOTT CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

Mr. Scott’s appointment as COO has also created the opportunity for reorganization and promotions within Ryland’s North Central region.

Peter Skelly, formerly Ryland Homes’ Chicago division president, has been named president of Ryland Homes’ North region, where he will oversee division operations in the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic.  Mr. Skelly is an 18-year veteran of Ryland and holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Georgetown University.

Ken Trainer, formerly Ryland Homes’ Austin/San Antonio division president, will now lead the newly formed Texas region as president.  Mr. Trainer has held a number of management positions during his 17 years with Ryland.  He is a graduate of Texas State University.

With headquarters in Southern California, Ryland is one of the nation’s largest homebuilders and a leading mortgage-finance company.  The company currently operates in 28 markets across the country and has built more than 255,000 homes and financed more than 215,000 mortgages since its founding in 1967.  Ryland is a Fortune 500 company listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “RYL.”  Previous news releases may be obtained at www.ryland.com.

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