Chicago Bears’ coach Mike Ditka watches his team play during the last home game of the 1985 regular season, Dec. 27, 1985. Ditka coached the Bears to the NFL’s best regular-season record and was named Friday the league’s Coach of the Year by AP.
Chicago Bears’ coach Mike Ditka watches his team play during the last home game of the 1985 regular season, Dec. 27, 1985. Ditka coached the Bears to the NFL’s best regular-season record and was named Friday the league’s Coach of the Year by AP. (AP Photo/Charlie Bennett)
Legendary Chicago Bears coach and Hall of Fame inductee Mike Ditka has died at age 86, his family announced on Friday.
Ditka coached the Bears to the team's Super Bowl title in 1985.
"It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, Mike Ditka. 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," the Ditka family shared.
ESPN reported that Ditka was the first tight end enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He was also a former Chicago Bears player himself, as well as playing for the Philadelphia Eagles and the Dallas Cowboys.
"Da Coach was not only an icon in Chicago, but the entire football world," Governor JB Pritzker shared on X. "Our thoughts are with Mike Ditka’s family, friends, and Bears fans today. May his memory be a blessing."