Bill McCartney, former Colorado head coach who led the Buffaloes to a national title in 1990, has died at age 84.
McCartney coached at Colorado from 1982-1994, leading the team to three Big Eight titles and the school’s first national title. Across 13 seasons, McCartney racked up more wins and bowl game appearances than any other coach in school history, finishing with a 93-55-5 record and sending the Buffaloes to nine bowl games.
His son, Mike McCartney, posted a statement from the family on social media on Friday.
“It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Bill McCartney, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, who left this world peacefully at the age of 84 after a courageous journey with Dementia,” the statement said.
“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. 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 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.”
The family asked people to donate to a local church in McCartney’s name in lieu of flowers.
In a statement from the school, Colorado athletic director Rick George spoke about his friendship with McCartney, who hired him as a recruiting coordinator in 1987. George said that he had visited McCartney last week to say goodbye before he passed away.
“Coach Mac was an incredible man who taught me about the importance of faith, family and being a good husband, father and grandfather. He instilled discipline and accountability to all of us who worked and played under his leadership. The mark that he left on CU football and our athletic department will be hard to replicate,” George said in the statement. “I have many fond memories of Coach Mac and will hold those close to my heart.”
In 1994, McCartney retired from coaching as the winningest coach in Colorado’s history. He was inducted into the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame in 1999, and added to the school’s Athletic Hall of Fame in 2006. McCartney was also inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2013, the school’s only coach to be recognized.
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