Bill McCartney aka Coach Mac, as everyone called him, wasn’t just a football coach; he was a legend. The CU Buffs fam summed it up perfectly: “A legacy that will live forever.” Twelve years of leading the Buffs, and what a legacy he leaves behind. This wasn’t just about winning games; Coach Mac revolutionized the program. He built a football dynasty that wasn’t just about touchdowns; it was about character and faith. His legacy? It’s not just about the wins; it’s about the impact he had on everyone he touched. And that’s a legacy that will forever be etched in the hearts of many.

Bill McCartney, the coach who transformed the Colorado Buffaloes into national champions, passed away at the age of 84 after bravely battling dementia. Known for his intense passion, Coach Mac turned the Buffaloes into Big Eight legends during his time at the helm. With three Coach of the Year awards and a national championship victory over Notre Dame in 1990, he didn’t just coach football; he left an indelible mark on its history. His family has confirmed his passing, marking the end of a life filled with extraordinary accomplishments.

McCartney treasures his family as much as his victories. Alongside his wife, Lynne, he raised four children—Mike, Thomas, Kristy, and Marc—and adores his ten grandchildren. But Coach Mac faced some tough times too. In 2013, he lost his wife, Lyndi, to emphysema. Then, three years later, his family announced he was battling dementia and Alzheimer’s.

Despite the toll of dementia, he faced it with unwavering strength, supported by the love of his family. He not only excelled in winning games but also in shaping lives with his values and dedication. His influence extends far beyond the scoreboard.

Taking charge of CU football in 1982, McCartney wasted no time transforming the program into a powerhouse. By 1990, he led the Buffaloes to their first national championship, triumphing in a thrilling Orange Bowl contest against Notre Dame. With a record of 93-55-5 and three Big Eight titles, McCartney solidified his status as a legend. Coaching the 1994 Heisman Trophy winner Rashaan Salaam? That’s just another notch on his belt.

After his football career, McCartney co-founded ‘Promise Keepers,’ a Christian organization that inspires men nationwide. He remains grounded in his values, cherishing his family while spreading a message of faith and leadership. Despite the challenges posed by dementia, his resilience shined through. McCartney’s life serves as a blueprint for greatness—on the field, in the community, and at home.

Coach Bill McCartney was more than just wins!

Well, Coach Mac didn’t just build football teams—he shaped lives. CU Athletic Director Rick George, hired by Mac as a recruiting coordinator in 1987, remained lifelong friends with him. Reflecting on their last meeting, 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.” Rick also spoke about how Mac instilled discipline and accountability in all those who worked and played under his guidance. Well, his influence on CU football and the athletic department as a whole will be difficult to replicate.

Now it’s difficult for anyone to replicate because coaching was not just a career for Mac—it was his true calling. “When I was 7 years old, I knew I was going to be a coach,” he said. And he turned that early vision into reality. But Mac’s leadership extended beyond winning games; it was about shaping young men to be disciplined and accountable leaders both on and off the field. Moreover, his influence resonated throughout CU, inspiring future coaches and setting a high standard for the program’s success.

Mac’s coaching is a legacy tree that stands out in the world of college football. He mentored twelve future head coaches, some of whom went on to great success, like Gary Barnett, Jim Caldwell, and Les Miles. In fact, four of them—Barnett, Jon Embree, Karl Dorrell, and Rick Neuheisel—even returned to lead the Buffaloes for a combined total of fourteen and a half seasons.

John Wristen even achieved the incredible feat of winning a Division II national title in 2014. Now you know why Mac’s impact goes way beyond CU. It’s more about shaping the future of football and leaving a mark that’s tough to match. May the legendary coach’s soul rest in peace!