Bill McCartney, the coach who led Colorado to its only football national championship in 1990, has passed away at the age of 84.
McCartney died on Friday night after battling dementia, as announced by his family who disclosed his diagnosis of dementia and Alzheimer’s in 2016.
In a statement, his family described him as a man of unwavering faith, boundless compassion, and an enduring legacy as a leader, mentor, and advocate for family, community, and faith. They credited him as a trailblazer and visionary whose impact stretched beyond the football field and into the hearts of those he influenced.
McCartney holds the title of winningest coach in Colorado history with a record of 93-55-5 and was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2013.
Rick George, Colorado’s athletic director, expressed his sadness at McCartney’s passing and praised him for instilling values of faith, family, and leadership during their enduring friendship. George worked with McCartney as his recruiting coordinator starting in 1987.
Under McCartney’s guidance, Colorado had its best season in 1990, finishing 11-1-1 and claiming the national championship by defeating Notre Dame in the Orange Bowl. This memorable season included a controversial win at Missouri where Colorado scored a decisive touchdown on a “fifth down” as time expired.
McCartney retired from coaching in 1994 to spend more time with his wife, Lyndi, who passed away in 2013. Following his retirement, he dedicated himself to Promise Keepers, a ministry he founded in 1990 to inspire “godly men.”
His impact at Colorado extended beyond the football field with his teams enjoying success in the late ’80s and early ’90s, winning three Big Eight titles, 10 consecutive winning seasons in league competition, and a 58-29-4 mark in conference play. McCartney’s coaching legacy paved the way for a new generation of coaches.
Born in Riverview, Michigan, McCartney initially considered a career in basketball coaching before transitioning to college football and mentoring under legendary coach Bo Schembechler at Michigan. McCartney’s coaching journey began after Schembechler recommended him to Colorado.
During his tenure at Colorado, McCartney’s teams achieved significant success, culminating in an exceptional season in 1994 highlighted by the “Miracle in Michigan” and Rashaan Salaam winning the Heisman Trophy.
Reporting by The Associated Press.
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