Bill McCartney, the iconic coach who steered the Colorado Buffaloes to their only national football championship in 1990, has passed away at the age of 84. According to a statement from his family, he died Friday night after a brave battle with dementia.

"Coach Mac impacted countless lives with his unwavering faith, kindness, and commitment to family and community," his family expressed in their tribute. "He was not just a trailblazer on the field, but a visionary whose influence extended far and wide beyond football."

A brief look back at McCartney’s life shows a man dedicated to coaching from a young age. He played for the esteemed Dan Devine at the University of Missouri before transitioning into high school coaching in Detroit. His talents quickly attracted attention, leading to a position on the coaching staff at the University of Michigan, where he garnered acclaim as the defensive coordinator in 1980.

McCartney took the reins at Colorado in 1982, reviving a struggling program that had suffered through three consecutive losing seasons. Incredibly, after a rocky start, he transformed the Buffaloes into a powerhouse, leading them to bowl games in nine out of ten seasons starting in 1985 after he embraced a wishbone offense.

The pinnacle of his success came in 1990 when, after an inconsistent beginning to the season, his team rallied to win their next nine games. They secured a rematch against Notre Dame in the Orange Bowl, triumphing 10-9 and sharing the national title with Georgia Tech.

Tributes have poured in from former players. "A Hall of Fame coach but, in my eyes, a better man," said former linebacker Chad Brown. Alfred Williams added, “His legacy is founded on love, integrity, and faith. I will forever be grateful for his impact on my life.”

McCartney earned multiple Coach of the Year awards throughout his career, culminating in an impressive overall record of 93-55-5 at Colorado. Under his guidance, the Buffaloes consistently ranked in the AP Top 20. The 1994 season was particularly notable, as it included the unforgettable “Miracle in Michigan,” a last-second Hail Mary touchdown against the Wolverines.

Beyond his tactical prowess, McCartney was also a mentor to many who would go on to have successful coaching careers themselves, including notable names like Gary Barnett and Jim Caldwell. His influence on college football is felt far and wide, and his dedication to his players was unmatched.

Rick George, Colorado's athletic director, who once worked under McCartney, reflected on his legacy, stating, “The mark he left on CU football and our athletic department will be hard to replicate.” McCartney’s commitment to instilling discipline and accountability in his players made a lasting impact that extended beyond the field.

In 2013, McCartney was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame, cementing his legacy in the sport. Despite his diagnosis of dementia and Alzheimer’s, which his family announced in 2016, McCartney remained an omnipresent figure in the lives of his family and former players, often sharing wisdom gathered from decades of experience in coaching.

Football didn’t just shape his life; as he once articulated, “It teaches a boy to be a man.” McCartney's philosophy emphasized resilience — a lesson both on and off the field. Beyond his statistics and accolades, it was the personal connections he forged with his players that truly defined his legacy.

In a touching familial anecdote, his grandson, Derek McCartney, followed in his grandfather's footsteps, playing defensive line for Colorado. The bond they shared included countless stories of McCartney's coaching days, illuminating the life lessons he imparted to younger generations.

Bill McCartney leaves behind an enduring legacy — a testament to what one passionate coach can achieve both on the football field and within the hearts of those he inspired.