Bill McCartney, renowned for leading the University of Colorado’s football team to its sole national championship in 1990, has passed away at the age of 84. His family announced that he died on Friday night following a brave battle with dementia, a condition he was diagnosed with back in 2016, which included Alzheimer’s disease.
In a heartfelt statement, the McCartney family reflected on the profound impact he had on many lives. They described him as a man of unshakeable faith and compassion who left a legacy as a leader, mentor, and advocate deeply rooted in family, community, and spirituality. “His presence was felt both on and off the field,” they expressed, highlighting how Coach Mac’s spirit would continue to inspire those who had the privilege to know him.
Boasting the most victories in Colorado football history, McCartney achieved a remarkable record of 93 wins, 55 losses, and 5 ties. His acceptance into the College Football Hall of Fame came in 2013, recognizing his significant contributions to the sport.
Colorado athletic director Rick George shared his sadness over McCartney’s passing, recalling their bond that began when George was hired as a recruiting coordinator in 1987. He described McCartney as an incredible figure who emphasized the values of faith and family, instilling discipline in everyone who played and worked under his leadership.
McCartney orchestrated an outstanding season for Colorado in 1990, leading them to an impressive 11 wins, 1 loss, and 1 tie. The season concluded with a victory over Notre Dame in the Orange Bowl, securing the national title. One crucial game that season involved a controversial moment known as the “fifth down,” which kept the Buffaloes in the running for the championship after an officiating error on a crucial play against Missouri.
After coaching at Colorado from 1982 until his early retirement in 1994, McCartney stepped away to spend more time with his late wife, Lyndi, who passed away in 2013. Following his coaching career, he devoted full-time efforts to Promise Keepers, a ministry he founded in 1990 after converting to Christianity, aimed at encouraging men to live godly lives.
However, the organization also sparked significant political debates in Colorado, notably their opposition to granting rights to LGBTQ individuals, which led to protests on campuses. McCartney stepped down as the ministry’s president in 2003 due to his wife’s health issues but returned five years later.
Throughout his coaching tenure, McCartney’s influence was undeniably significant. His teams in the late 1980s and early 1990s rivaled the best in college football history, securing three Big Eight championships and a notable 10 consecutive winning seasons and a conference record that remains unmatched today.
The 1989 squad, which recorded an 11-1 season, set the foundation for the championship-winning team in 1990, featuring prominent players like Darian Hagan, Charles Johnson, and Eric Bieniemy, along with a solid defensive lineup.
Expressions of love and admiration for McCartney flooded social media after his passing. Players who once played under him reflected on his character and the profound way he shaped their lives and careers.
Interestingly, McCartney’s career path almost veered toward basketball. Born in Riverview, Michigan, he initially played center and linebacker for the University of Missouri and briefly coached both football and basketball at a high school level before being recruited by significant Michigan coaches.
Eventually, he decided to pursue a coaching career in football, where he emerged as a formidable leader at Colorado, transforming a struggling program into a powerhouse. His journey saw a challenging start, with only seven wins in his first three seasons, including a rough 1-10 record in 1984. However, he eventually turned the program around, culminating in the remarkable 1994 season, which featured stars like Kordell Stewart and Rashaan Salaam.
In later years, McCartney took delight in watching his grandson, Derek, play defensive line at Colorado. Family legacies ran deep, with Derek’s father also having played for the Buffaloes. Growing up, Derek cherished listening to his grandfather’s stories about the team’s successes and iconic moments, fostering a strong family connection to the sport.
As fans and former players remember Coach McCartney, his influence and teachings will undoubtedly echo through the corridors of Colorado’s football history for generations to come.
