Bill McCartney Dies at 84; Legendary Colorado HC Led Buffaloes to 1990 National Title | News, Achievements, Highlights, Statistics, and Rumors

Former Colorado coach Bill McCartney died Friday at the age of 84.

His family announced his death after a “brave battle with dementia” in a statement (h/t The cost of ESPN).

“Coach Mac touched many lives with his unwavering faith, unwavering compassion, and lasting legacy as a leader, mentor and advocate for families, community and faith,” his family said in a statement. “As a leader and visionary, his impact was felt on and off the field, and his spirit will live on in the hearts of those who inspired him forever.”

McCartney spent all 13 years of his head coaching career with the Buffaloes, finishing with an overall record of 93-55-5 before retiring at the end of the 1994 season. He helped lead Colorado to its first and only national championship in 1990, when the team appeared in the nine bowl games during his tenure.

McCartney is No. 1 on the Buffaloes’ all-time hit list and No.

He first joined the Michigan team as a defensive assistant in 1974, serving as the team’s coach for three years. He later became the defensive coordinator at Michigan in 1977 before leaving to join the Buffaloes before the 1982 season.

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Colorado athletic director Rick George, who worked under McCartney, also issued a statement.

“I had the opportunity to say goodbye to Coach in person last week,” George said, via ESPN. “Coach Mac was an amazing man who taught me the importance of faith, family and being a good husband, father and grandfather. He provided discipline and accountability to all of us who worked and played under his leadership.”

“The mark he left on CU football and our athletic department will be difficult to duplicate,” he added.

McCartney was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame as part of the class of 2013.