Bill McCartney, who coached Colorado to its only football national championship in 1990, has died Bill McCartney, who coached Colorado to its only football national championship in 1990, has died.
“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,” the family said in its statement.
“I am very saddened at the passing of Coach Mac,” said Colorado athletic director Rick George, who remained lifelong friends with McCartney after he hired George as his recruiting coordinator in 1987.
The charismatic figure known as Coach Mac died Friday night “after a courageous journey with dementia,” according to a family statement.
McCartney led Colorado to its best season in 1990, when the team finished 11-1-1 and beat Notre Dame in the Orange Bowl to clinch the national title.
