Bill McCartney, the coach who led Colorado to its sole football national championship in 1990, has passed away at the age of 84. Known as Coach Mac, he died on Friday after a battle with dementia, as confirmed by a statement from his family in 2016 when he was diagnosed with dementia and Alzheimer’s.
Coach Mac’s family described him as a figure who impacted countless lives with his strong faith, compassion, and legacy as a leader, mentor, and advocate for family, community, and faith. His influence extended beyond the football field, leaving a lasting impression on those he inspired.
McCartney is remembered as the winningest coach in Colorado history, boasting a record of 93-55-5. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2013. Colorado athletic director Rick George expressed his sadness at McCartney’s passing, highlighting the lessons of faith, family, and accountability that Coach Mac instilled in those around him.
Under McCartney’s guidance, Colorado enjoyed its best season in 1990, culminating in a national championship victory after defeating Notre Dame in the Orange Bowl. Despite controversies during his coaching tenure, including a game-winning touchdown on a “fifth down,” McCartney’s commitment to his players and the game of football remained unwavering.
Following his retirement from coaching, McCartney devoted his time to Promise Keepers, a ministry he founded in 1990. Known for advocating traditional values, the organization faced criticism and protests for its stance on certain social issues. McCartney’s legacy as a coach and mentor continues to be celebrated by his former players and colleagues, who remember him as a man of character, integrity, and faith.
Having the opportunity to have him in my life means so much. Thank you Coach for loving on all of us.
McCartney, a nearly basketball coach, was born in Riverview, Michigan. He played center and linebacker at the University of Missouri and met his wife there. Following his college career, McCartney coached basketball and football at a high school in Dearborn, Michigan. His teams excelled, with each one clinching the state title in 1973.
His success caught the attention of Michigan football coach Bo Schembechler, who offered him a position on his staff at Michigan. Additionally, Michigan basketball coach Johnny Orr expressed a desire for McCartney to join his coaching staff. Faced with this decision, McCartney sought advice from his wife, who simply told him to follow his heart.
Ultimately, McCartney chose to pursue a career in college football. He spent eight seasons learning under Schembechler until an opportunity arose for him to lead his own team. When Chuck Fairbanks left Colorado to join the New Jersey Generals in the United States Football League, McCartney approached Schembechler for a recommendation. With Schembechler’s endorsement, McCartney secured the head coaching position at Colorado under the guidance of athletic director Eddie Crowder.
McCartney’s coaching career at Colorado started off challenging, with only seven wins in his first three seasons, including a disappointing 1-10 finish in 1984. However, fortunes began to change as he found his stride.
In his final season with the Buffaloes in 1994, McCartney led the team to an impressive 11-1 record. The roster boasted talented players such as Kordell Stewart, Michael Westbrook, and the late Rashaan Salaam. The highlight of the season was the “Miracle in Michigan,” where Westbrook caught a 64-yard TD pass from Stewart on a Hail Mary play to secure a dramatic victory over the Wolverines. Salaam’s exceptional performance earned him the prestigious Heisman Trophy, having rushed for 2,055 yards that season.
McCartney also played a significant role in shaping the next generation of coaches, mentoring assistants who would go on to have successful coaching careers of their own. Some notable mentees included Gary Barnett, Jim Caldwell, Les Miles, and Rick Neuheisel, among others.
In recent years, McCartney had the joy of watching his grandson, Derek, follow in his family’s football footsteps by playing as a defensive lineman at Colorado. Derek’s father, Shannon Clavelle, also played for Colorado before pursuing a professional football career. Another family connection to football is seen in T.C. McCartney, Derek’s brother, who played quarterback at LSU.
Derek McCartney fondly recalls spending time listening to his grandfather’s stories growing up. He cherished hearing about Salaam’s Heisman win, Colorado’s victory over Notre Dame in the Orange Bowl for the national title, and even had the opportunity to experience these moments
