Legendary Colorado Football Coach Bill McCartney Dies at 84

Bill McCartney, the iconic head coach who led the University of Colorado Buffaloes to their only national championship in 1990, passed away on Friday at the age of 84. McCartney, who had been battling dementia, died peacefully, according to a statement released by his family.

McCartney transformed Colorado football into a powerhouse during his tenure from 1982 to 1994. Born in Riverview, Michigan, he began his coaching career as a high school coach before joining the University of Michigan as an assistant under Bo Schembechler. In 1982, he took over a struggling Colorado program and turned it into a national contender, culminating in a shared national title in 1990.

“Coach Mac touched countless lives with his unwavering faith, boundless compassion, and enduring legacy as a leader, mentor, and advocate for family, community, and faith,” the family’s statement read. “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.”

McCartney’s 1990 team, after a slow start, won nine consecutive games to earn a No. 1 ranking and a rematch with Notre Dame in the Orange Bowl. The Buffaloes prevailed 10-9, securing a share of the national championship. McCartney retired in 1994 with a record of 93-55-5, making him the winningest coach in Colorado history. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2013.

Beyond football, McCartney was known for his deep faith and founded the Promise Keepers movement, which focused on promoting Christian values among men. He is survived by four children and 10 grandchildren, including T.C. McCartney, who recently served as quarterbacks coach for the New England Patriots.

Colorado athletic director Rick George expressed his sorrow, saying, “Coach Mac was an incredible man who taught me about the importance of faith, family, and being a good husband, father, and grandfather. The mark that he left on CU football and our athletic department will be hard to replicate.”

Memorial service details are pending, and the family has requested donations to local churches in lieu of flowers.