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

On February 25, 2009, The Ryland Group, Inc. (the "Company") announced that, effective May 29, 2009, R. Chad Dreier, who is currently Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, will retire as Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Dreier will continue in his role as Chairman of the Board of Directors. Effective May 29, 2009, Larry T. Nicholson will be promoted to the position of Chief Executive Officer becoming President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company.

A copy of the press release announcing Mr. Dreier's retirement and Mr. Nicholson's promotion is attached as Exhibit 99 and the information in the press release is incorporated herein by reference.

In connection with Mr. Dreier's retirement as Chief Executive Officer, the Company and Mr. Dreier entered into an Amendment of Mr. Dreier's Employment Agreement that is effective as of February 25, 2009. Pursuant to this Amendment, Mr. Dreier's Employment Agreement terminates effective on May 29, 2009. Mr. Dreier's annual base salary is reduced to $900,000 per year for the remaining term of the Employment Agreement. Additionally, Mr. Dreier is eligible to receive an annual bonus pro rated for the period from January 1, 2009 until May 29, 2009. In consideration for the amendment and termination of the Employment Agreement, Mr. Dreier will receive a lump sum cash payment on November 30, 2009 in the amount of $2 million. Mr. Dreier will receive the vested portions of his supplemental executive retirement plans in accordance with the terms and conditions of those plans as well as an executive retirement health insurance program for Mr. Dreier and his spouse for a period of 15 years commencing with his retirement. A copy of the Amendment to Employment Agreement is attached as Exhibit 10.39 to this current report on Form 8-K and the Amendment is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits

(d) Exhibits Exhibit 10.39 Amendment to Employment Agreement, by and between The Ryland Group, Inc. and R. Chad Dreier, effective February 25, 2009 (Filed herewith) Exhibit 99 Press release dated February 25, 2009 (Filed herewith)