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 years old.
McCartney, the winningest 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. (Photos by RVR/USA Today Sports)
“Our father gave his life to Jesus at age 33, setting a trajectory for our family and many others. We share his faith in Jesus and truly believe that our dad has been reunited in heaven with his beloved girlfriend and our mother, Lynne Marie “said the family’s statement.
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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 pioneer and visionary, his impact was felt both on and off the field .and his spirit will remain forever in the hearts of those he inspired.
“As 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 go through this difficult time.”
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 to 1994, leading the Buffaloes to three Big Eight titles, 10 consecutive winning seasons and one national championship in 1990.
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Decades later, his 93-55-5 record as the winningest college football coach in Buffaloes 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 on January 1, 1990, at the Orange Bowl in Miami, Florida. (Photos by Rich Clarkson/NCAA via Getty Images)
“I was lucky enough 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 responsibility in everyone “The mark he left on CU football and our athletic department will be difficult to replicate.”
McCartney is best remembered for the 1990 season, when he led Colorado to an 11-1-1 record and a victory over Notre Dame to claim the program’s only national title.
