Bill McCartney, renowned for steering the Colorado Buffaloes to their only football national championship in 1990, has passed away at the age of 84. His family confirmed that he died on Friday night after "a courageous journey with dementia" (AP News).

McCartney began his tenure at Colorado in 1982 and became the winningest coach in the program's history, achieving a record of 93 wins, 55 losses, and 5 ties over his 13 seasons. He led the Buffaloes to their historic 1990 campaign, which saw them finish with an impressive 11-1-1 record and ultimately clinching the national title after defeating Notre Dame 10-9 in the Orange Bowl (USA Today).

Throughout his career, McCartney was recognized with three Big Eight Coach of the Year awards, including one in 1990, reflecting his exceptional leadership during a transformative era for Colorado football. His coaching prowess took a struggling program that had won only 4 games over two seasons before his arrival and elevated it to national prominence. Under his guidance, Colorado earned nine bowl game appearances and established a strong footing in collegiate football with a record of 86 wins, 30 losses, and 4 ties in his last decade with the team (Reuters).

After retiring from coaching in 1994, McCartney focused on Promise Keepers, a Christian men’s organization he co-founded in 1990. His contributions extended beyond the field; he was actively involved in mentoring future coaching talents, including Les Miles, who later won a national championship with LSU (AP News). His family lauded his legacy, emphasizing his influence as "a leader, mentor, and advocate for family, community, and faith." They stated, "His spirit will forever remain in the hearts of those he inspired."

McCartney's impact on the school and its athletic department was profound, leaving behind a rich legacy that will be hard to replicate. His influence will endure both within the college football community and beyond, making him a cherished figure in sports history.