Mike Ditka former Chicago Bears coach dies at 86

Former Chicago Bears coach Mike Ditka died at age 86, according to a statement from his family. He led the Chicago franchise to a Super Bowl victory during his tenured career.

The family announced his death in a statement obtained by WGN.

“It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, Mike Ditka,” the statement read. “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.”

Jarrett Payton was among the first people to share the family statement, according to NFL.com. Payton is the son of former Bears player Walter Payton.

Ditka assumed head coaching duties for the team in 1982. He finished that strike-shortened year with a 3-6 record. Ditka led the team to a 10-6 record in 1984.

The San Francisco 49ers shut out the Bears in the NFC Championship Game that year. In 1985, Ditka led the Bears to a 15-1 regular season record. The team secured a 46-10 win over the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XX.

The Associated Press named Ditka the NFL Coach of the Year after the 1985 season. He won the award again after a 12-4 season in 1988.

Ditka suffered a heart attack during that 1988 season. He attributed the event to stress. Ditka said he had no significant family history of heart disease.

He served as a sideline advisor the next week. He resumed full head coaching duties the following week.

The Bears made playoff appearances in 1990 and 1991. They lost games to the New York Giants and Dallas Cowboys. The Bears fired Ditka on Jan. 5, 1993, following a 5-11 season in 1992.

Ditka earned 106 career head coaching wins with the franchise. Only George Halas Sr. has more coaching wins in team history.

The Chicago Bears released a statement honoring Ditka on Friday.

“Mike’s impact on the Chicago Bears organization, over decades as a player, coach, and proud icon and ambassador for our organization, is immeasurable,” the team said. “His integral role in bringing world championships to our city and our franchise, both as a player and as our coach, established prominence and excellence at a world-class level, but also created a lifetime of cherished memories in the hearts and minds of Bears fans that will last for generations.”

Ditka worked as an assistant coach for the Dallas Cowboys from 1973 through 1981. He won Super Bowl VI with the Cowboys in 1971. Ditka also served as head coach of the New Orleans Saints from 1997 through 1999.

He played college football for the University of Pittsburgh from 1958 until 1960. He led the team in receiving each season. Ditka also played defensive end, linebacker and punter.

The Chicago Bears selected Ditka with the fifth pick in the 1961 NFL Draft. The Houston Oilers picked him eighth in the 1961 AFL Draft. He played for Chicago through 1966, winning NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year in 1961.

Ditka won the NFL Championship with the team in 1963. He played for the Philadelphia Eagles from 1967 to 1968. He played for Dallas from 1969 to 1972.

He entered the College Football Hall of Fame in 1986. The Pro Football Hall of Fame inducted Ditka in 1988. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell offered condolences on Friday.

“Mike Ditka epitomized football over so many years,” Goodell said. “He brought intensity, authenticity, and an unmistakable personality to everything he did.”

Head coaches in professional sports manage roster decisions, game plans and team personnel. Franchises typically announce team honors and family updates through formal public statements.

Goodell sent condolences to Ditka’s wife, Diana, and the rest of the Ditka family.