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BOULDER, Colo. — Bill McCartney, who coached Colorado to its only football national championship in 1990, has died. He was 84.
McCartney died Friday night "after a courageous journey with dementia," according to a family statement. His family announced in 2016 that he had been diagnosed with dementia and Alzheimer's.
"Coach Mac touched countless lives with his unwavering faith, boundless compassion, and enduring legacy as a leader, mentor and advocate for family, community and faith," the family said in its statement. "As a trailblazer and visionary, his impact was felt both on and off the field, and his spirit will forever remain in the hearts of those he inspired."
McCartney remains the winningest coach in Colorado history, with a record of 93-55-5. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2013.
McCartney led Colorado to its best season in 1990, when the team finished 11-1-1 and beat Notre Dame in the Orange Bowl to clinch the national title. That season included a win at Missouri where the Buffaloes scored the winning touchdown on a "fifth down" as time expired -- one of the biggest blunders in college football history.
The chain crew didn't flip the marker from second to third down and the officials failed to notice. On fourth down -- fifth in actuality -- Charles Johnson scored to keep Colorado's national title hopes afloat. Asked later if he would consider forfeiting the game, McCartney pointed to poor field conditions and didn't think it was a fair test.
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