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Legendary Bears Coach Mike Ditka Dies at 86
Confirmed
In Short: Legendary Chicago Bears head coach Mike Ditka has died at the age of 86, his family announced.
Legendary Chicago Bears head coach Mike Ditka died at the age of 86, his family announced on Friday. Ditka, known for his fiery temper and leadership, was a pivotal figure in the NFL, both as a player and coach.
Ditka's family released a statement saying, 'It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, Mike Ditka.' They added, 'Mike will be missed beyond measure and remembered forever.'
Ditka's legacy includes his time as a player and coach. He was the fifth overall pick of the 1961 NFL draft by the Bears and won Rookie of the Year after becoming the first tight end to surpass 1,000 receiving yards.
As a coach, Ditka led the Bears to their only Super Bowl victory in 1985, defeating the New England Patriots 46-10 in Super Bowl XX. He was hired by George Halas in 1982 and led the Bears to the playoffs seven times in his 11 seasons.
Ditka's 1985 Bears team is remembered for its dominant defense, which was arguably one of the best in NFL history. The team had a 15-1 regular-season record and easily defeated the Patriots in the Super Bowl.
Ditka was enshrined in the College and Pro Football Halls of Fame. The Bears retired his No. 89 jersey in 2013, making it the last one to be retired by the team.
Ditka's impact extended beyond the field. He starred in television commercials and appeared in several TV shows and films, including Will Ferrell's 2005 comedy 'Kicking and Screaming.'
After his playing and coaching careers, Ditka became an analyst at NBC and ESPN, where he was a fixture on 'Sunday Morning Countdown' from 2006 to 2015.
Ditka was also known for his advocacy for improved medical and retirement benefits for former players. He was a fixture in Illinois political circles, though he never ran for office.
Ditka's coaching philosophy was characterized by toughness and a strong work ethic. He often clashed with players, including quarterback Jim McMahon and defensive coordinator Buddy Ryan, but his leadership qualities were undeniable.
The NFL and Bears organization expressed condolences, with the Bears saying, 'Mike will be missed beyond measure and remembered forever.'
What's confirmed
- Legendary Chicago Bears head coach Mike Ditka has died at the age of 86.
- "While the world knew Mike as a Hall of Fame football player, legendary coach, and leader of the Chicago Bears' Super Bowl XX championship team, we knew him as the heart of our family. Mike will be missed beyond measure and remembered forever."
- Hired by his former coach and Bears founder George Halas in 1982, Ditka led the Bears to the playoffs seven times in his 11 seasons and reached the NFC Championship Game on three occasions.
- Ditka was a member of the Bears' 1963 NFL championship team and the Cowboys' squad that won Super Bowl VI.
- Ditka's family announced the death on Friday in a statement.
- "It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, Mike Ditka," his family said in a statement.
- Ditka was enshrined in the College and Pro Football Halls of Fame and the Bears said during a ceremony in 2013 that his “No. 89” jersey will be the last one retired by the team.
What's still developing
- "He brought that same philosophy to his coaching, leading the famous 1985 team that paired with one of the most vaunted and dominant defenses in NFL history with a top-ranked offense. Mike's captivating personality and leadership qualities will be preserved and celebrated forever in Canton."
- "Mike was a champion for taking care of those who helped build our game. We extend our deepest condolences to Diana and the Ditka family."
- "We proudly honor his chapters as a head coach in New Orleans. While his time leading our franchise on the field was brief in longevity, his presence left an indelible mark on our organization."
- He grew up in nearby Aliquippa, close to the coal-mining and steel-manufacturing plants that dotted the western part of the state, a big, talented, three-sport athlete and All-American at Pitt whose bruising style made his first nickname, “Iron Mike” a good fit.
- After his playing career, Ditka spent nine seasons as an assistant coach for Tom Landry in Dallas before Halas tabbed him to replace Neil Armstrong following the 1981 season.
- The Bears demolished the New England Patriots 46-10 in the Super Bowl, but Ditka often said he regretted having McMahon and defensive tackle William “The Refrigerator” Perry run for touchdowns instead of Walter Payton, Chicago’s loyal and long-suffering running back.
- “He was goofy, kind and smart… always had great food recommendations. Great singer. An incredible actor and director, but you guys know that, and if you think you don’t, trust me, you do,” he wrote.
- Legendary voice actor Mike McFarland has died aged 56, leaving behind an indisputable legacy with hundreds of roles across some of the most iconic anime series ever made.