Bill McCartney, legendary Colorado football coach, dies at 84

Bill McCartney, the legendary Colorado coach who took the program to a national championship in 1990, has died, the school announced Friday night. He was 84 years old.

McCartney started his coaching career at Michigan as an assistant under Bo Schembechler from 1974-81. He then took over at Colorado in 1982 and put together a storied run with the Buffaloes until his retirement in 1994.

All told, McCartney amassed a 93-55-5 record in Boulder, including a 58-29-4 mark in Big Eight play. Colorado was his only head coaching job as he retired at the age of 54 following the 1994 season.

A legend of the game. A legacy that will live forever.

Rest in Peace, Coach Mac 🪽https://t.co/sSXySmmlZb pic.twitter.com/RKZqHvIZdl

— Colorado Buffaloes (@CUBuffs) January 11, 2025

“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,” McCartney’s family said in a statement. “Our father surrendered his life to Jesus at 33 years old setting a trajectory for our family and many others. We share his faith in Jesus and truly believe our Dad has been reunited in Heaven with his beloved bride and our Mother, Lynne Marie.

“Coach Mac” built Colorado from the ground up, starting with a 2-8-1 record in his first year as head coach in 1982. By 1985, he had the Buffaloes in a bowl game with a 7-5 record. Then, in 1988, they rattled off a run of seven straight 8-win seasons – including three straight Big Eight titles from 1989-91.

Colorado went 11-1 in 1989, but reached the mountaintop in 1990. The Buffaloes went 11-1-1 that year and defeated Notre Dame in the Orange Bowl to secure the only national championship in program history. McCartney was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2013.

“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,” McCartney’s family’s statement read. “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.”