Legendary Colorado Coaching Icon McCartney Passes Away at 84

A Titan of Colorado Football

Colorado's legendary football coach Bill McCartney passed away at the age of 84, leaving an enduring legacy on the sport and his alma mater, the University of Colorado (CU).

McCartney, a three-time Big Eight Conference Coach of the Year, led the Buffaloes to their first national championship in 1990. During his 14 seasons at the helm (1982-1994), he amassed a 93-65-4 record, guiding CU to eight bowl games and two additional conference titles (1989, 1994).

A Legacy of Success

McCartney's impact extended beyond the gridiron. He led CU's transition to the Pac-12 Conference in 1991 and served as the university's interim athletic director in 1995-1996. His contributions to the CU athletic department earned him induction into the Colorado Athletics Hall of Fame in 2017.

Former CU quarterback Darian Hagan, who won the Heisman Trophy runner-up award in 1990, credited McCartney with transforming his life.

"Coach McCartney gave me a chance when no one else would. He believed in me, and he pushed me to be the best I could be. I owe him everything," Hagan said.

A Complex Figure

While McCartney's football achievements are undeniable, his legacy is not without controversy.

In 1994, he came under fire for making homophobic remarks during a speech at a Fellowship of Christian Athletes banquet. The comments sparked widespread condemnation and led to a public apology from McCartney.

The Lasting Impact

Despite the controversies, McCartney's contributions to the University of Colorado and the sport of football remain significant.

CU Athletic Director Rick George praised McCartney as a "pillar of Colorado athletics." George noted that McCartney's legacy extends beyond his coaching record:

"Bill McCartney was a true ambassador for CU. He lived our values of leadership, integrity, respect, and excellence in all that he did," George said.

Conclusion

Bill McCartney was a complex and influential figure in the world of college football. His legacy is a testament to his coaching brilliance, but it is also marked by controversy.

Despite the complexities, McCartney's contributions to the University of Colorado and the sport of football are undeniable. He led the Buffaloes to unprecedented success, leaving an indelible mark on the program and the state of Colorado.