Legendary Colorado football coach Bill McCartney, who led the program to its only national championship, died Friday night after a long battle with dementia, his family confirmed in a statement. He was 84.
McCartney, the winning coach in Colorado history died “peacefully” surrounded by his family, the university said in a statement.
Colorado Buffaloes head coach Bill McCartney before the 1990 Disney Pigskin Classic against the Tennessee Volunteers at Anaheim Stadium on August 26, 1990. (RVR Photos/USA Today Sports)
“Our father surrendered his life to Jesus at the age of 33 and set a path for our family and many others. We share his faith in Jesus and truly believe that our father has been reunited in heaven with his beloved bride and our mother, Lynne Marie, “, the family’s statement says.
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“Coach Mac touched countless lives with his unwavering faith, boundless compassion, and lasting legacy as a leader, mentor, and advocate for family, community, and faith. As a trailblazer and visionary, his impact was felt both on and off the field, and his spirit will forever remain in the hearts of those he inspired.
“While we mourn his loss, we also celebrate the extraordinary life he lived and the love he shared with all those around him. We are grateful for the outpouring of prayers and support during this time and ask for privacy as we navigating this difficult moment.”
Colorado head coach Bill McCartney with assistant Rick Neuheisel during a game against Texas at Memorial Stadium in Austin, Texas on October 1, 1994. (Phil Huber/Sports Illustrated via Getty Images)
McCartney coached at Colorado from 1982-94 and led the Buffaloes to three Big Eight titles, 10 consecutive winning seasons and a national championship in 1990.
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Decades later, his 93-55-5 record as the winningest college football coach in Buffalo history still stands. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2013.
“I am very saddened by the passing of Coach Mac,” said CU athletic director Rick George, whom McCartney hired as recruiting coordinator in 1987.
Head coach Bill McCartney of the Colorado Buffaloes looks on against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the 1990 Orange Bowl January 1, 1990 at the Orange Bowl in Miami, Fla. (Rich Clarkson/NCAA Photos via Getty Images)
“I was fortunate to be able to say goodbye to Coach in person last week. Coach Mac was an incredible man who taught me the importance of faith, family and being a good husband, father and grandfather. He instilled discipline and accountability in all of us who worked and played under his leadership.
McCartney is best remembered for the 1990 season, in which he led Colorado to an 11-1-1 record and a victory over Notre Dame to claim the program’s only national title.
