Legendary Colorado Football Coach Bill McCartney, who led the program to its only national championship, died Friday evening after a long battle with dementia, his family confirmed in a statement. He was 84 years old.
McCartney, Winning coach The university said in a statement that he died “peacefully” surrounded by his family.
Colorado Buffaloes coach Bill McCartney before the 1990 Disney Bigskin Classic against the Tennessee Volunteers at Anaheim Stadium on August 26, 1990. (RVR Photos/USA Today Sports)
“Our father gave his life to Jesus when he was 33 years old, setting a course 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, Lynn Marie,” the family statement said.
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“Coach Mack touched the lives of countless people with his unwavering faith, boundless compassion, and his lasting legacy as a leader, teacher, and advocate for family, community, and faith. As a pioneer and visionary, his impact was felt on and off the field, and his spirit will forever remain in the hearts of Who inspired them.
“While we mourn his loss, we also celebrate the extraordinary life he lived and the love he shared with everyone around him. We are grateful for the outpouring of prayers and support during this time and ask for privacy as we navigate this difficult moment.”
Colorado coach Bill McCartney with assistant Rick Neuheisel during a game against Texas at Memorial Stadium in Austin, Texas, October 1, 1994. (Phil Hopper/Sports Illustrated via Getty Images)
McCartney coached at Colorado from 1982-94, leading the Buffaloes to three Big Eight Tournament titles, 10 straight winning seasons and one title. National Championship In 1990.
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Decades later, his 93-55-5 record as the best college football coach in Buffaloes history still stands. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2013.
“I'm very sad about Coach Mack's passing,” said UCLA 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 on January 1, 1990, at the Orange Bowl in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Rich Clarkson/NCAA via Getty Images)
“I was fortunate to be able to say goodbye to Coach in person last week. Coach Mack was a wonderful man who taught me the importance of faith, family, and being a good husband, father, and grandfather. He instilled discipline and responsibility for everyone. Those of us who worked and played under him will be hard pressed to replicate the mark he left on football.” Football at CU and our athletic department.
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McCartney is most remembered for the 1990 season, when he led Colorado to an 11-1-1 record and a win over Notre Dame to claim the program's only national title.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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