As Deion Sanders leads the Colorado Buffaloes into national relevancy, the last man to establish the program as a college football force has passed away. Legendary head coach Bill McCartney passed away Friday night, aged 84.
Only Head Coach To Win A National Championship With Colorado, Bill McCartney, Passes Away Aged 84
McCartney will be forever enshrined in Colorado football as the first man to lead the Buffaloes to a college football national championship. At the time of his passing aged 84, he was the only head coach to achieve that level of national success in Boulder, establishing himself as a legend within the program.
“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,” a statement from the family announcing McCartney’s passing said. “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,” the statement continued. “We are grateful for the outpouring of prayers and support during this time and ask for privacy as we navigate this difficult moment.”
McCartney, who told reporters, “When I was seven years old, I knew I was going to be a coach,” during a 2013 interview with The Gazette, began his coaching career at the high school level with Holy Redeemer High School in his home state of Michigan. After establishing himself at the level, he became the first-ever high school coach to be hired by Michigan Wolverines legend, Bo Schembechler.
Yet, it was his appointment as the head coach at Colorado in 1982 that propelled McCartney into the national spotlight.
During his time with the program, which came to an end in 1994, he led the Buffaloes to three Big 8 titles, two New Year’s Six bowl wins, and the 1990 national title. While compiling a 93-55-5 record, he was thrice named Big 8 Coach of the Year, with three national coaching awards.
Colorado athletic director Rick George joined a plethora of tributes to McCartney, who simply became known as Coach Mac within the college football community.
“I am very saddened at the passing of Coach Mac,” George said. “I was fortunate to be able to say goodbye to Coach in person last week. Coach Mac was an incredible man who taught me about the importance of faith, family and being a good husband, father and grandfather.
“He instilled discipline and accountability to all of us who worked and played under his leadership.”
“The mark that he left on CU football and our athletic department will be hard to replicate,” George continued. “My thoughts and prayers go out to Mike, Tom, Kristy, Marc and their families. I have many fond memories of Coach Mac and will hold those close to my heart. God bless Coach Mac.”
Despite reports linking him with the head coach vacancy at Michigan in 1995, McCartney’s retirement as Buffaloes head coach in 1994 ensured that the only head coach role he held was in Boulder. As the college football world mourns his passing, Coach Mac’s loss will be felt most keenly in the place where he established himself as a legend.
College Football Network has you covered with the latest from the ACC, Big Ten, Big 12, SEC, and every Group of Five conference and FBS Independent program.