Bill McCartney, the legendary coach who led the University of Colorado to its first and only football national championship in 1990, has passed away at the age of 84. His family announced that he died on Friday night after bravely battling dementia. They revealed his diagnosis of dementia, along with Alzheimer’s, back in 2016.
In a heartfelt tribute, his family emphasized that Coach Mac had an indelible impact on many lives, highlighting his steadfast faith, immense compassion, and lasting influence as a leader, mentor, and advocate for faith and community. They stated that his pioneering spirit is remembered fondly and will live on in the hearts of everyone he inspired.
During his tenure at Colorado, McCartney amassed a remarkable record of 93 wins, 55 losses, and 5 ties, making him the all-time winningest coach in the school’s history. His impressive accomplishments earned him induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2013.
Rick George, the athletic director at Colorado, expressed deep sadness over McCartney’s passing. George reflected on their lifelong friendship—beginning when McCartney appointed him as a recruiting coordinator in 1987—and praised him as an extraordinary man who instilled the values of faith, family, and responsibility in everyone around him.
Under McCartney’s guidance, Colorado achieved its most successful season in 1990, ending with an impressive record of 11-1-1 and a victory against Notre Dame in the Orange Bowl, which secured the national title. This season was marked by a controversial moment at Missouri, where a crucial “fifth down” play resulted in a touchdown—one of college football’s most glaring officiating errors. Despite the controversy, McCartney dismissed the idea of forfeiting the game, citing the poor field conditions.
Coaching at Colorado from 1982 to 1994, McCartney made the decision to retire early to spend more time with his late wife, Lyndi, who passed away in 2013. After retiring, he dedicated himself to Promise Keepers, a ministry he founded in 1990 after his conversion from Catholicism, aimed at promoting the idea of “godly men” within the community.
The organization became a polarizing figure in state politics, particularly advocating against the designation of “protected class” status for LGBTQ individuals, which sparked protests on campuses. McCartney stepped down as president of Promise Keepers in 2003 due to his wife’s health but returned to the role five years later.
McCartney’s coaching legacy at Colorado is significant, particularly in the late 1980s and early 1990s when his teams consistently performed at high levels. His record includes three Big Eight titles, ten consecutive winning seasons, and an impressive 58-29-4 record in conference play. The groundwork he laid in 1989 with an 11-1 season paved the way for the national championship team that featured stars like quarterbacks Darian Hagan and Charles Johnson and running back Eric Bieniemy.
Former players shared their grief on social media, with Chad Brown stating that McCartney was a Hall of Fame coach but an even better human being. Alfred Williams reflected on his enduring legacy based on love, character, integrity, hope, and faith, expressing gratitude for the pivotal role he played in their lives.
Interestingly, McCartney almost pursued a career in basketball. Born in Riverview, Michigan, he played both center and linebacker at the University of Missouri, where he met his wife. He began his coaching career in high school basketball and football, leading both teams to state titles in 1973.
His talent caught the attention of Michigan football coach Bo Schembechler, who invited McCartney to join his staff. Meanwhile, Michigan basketball coach Johnny Orr also encouraged him to consider basketball coaching. Ultimately, it was his wife’s simple advice to follow his heart that led him into college football.
After spending eight seasons learning under Schembechler, McCartney seized an opportunity to head his own team when Colorado’s head coach left for a position with the New Jersey Generals in the USFL. His connection with Schembechler helped him secure the position at Colorado.
McCartney’s initial years brought challenges, with only seven wins in his first three seasons—including a difficult 1-10 record in 1984. However, by his final season in 1994, McCartney led the Buffaloes to an 11-1 record, strengthened by talented players such as Kordell Stewart and Rashaan Salaam, who would go on to win the Heisman Trophy.
He also played a crucial role in developing future coaching talent, mentoring numerous assistants who would later pursue their own successful coaching careers. In recent years, McCartney took joy in watching his grandson, Derek, play defensive line at Colorado—a legacy that continues through his family’s involvement in the sport.
For Derek, it was a privilege to grow up surrounded by his grandfather’s stories. He cherished memories of his grandfather sharing tales from the national championship run and relished every moment spent with him. Every time someone asked Derek if he was related to Coach McCartney, it brought a smile to his face—an enduring testament to the family’s legacy in Colorado football.
