RIP Mike Ditka, 1939-2026.
Legendary NFL head coach Mike Ditka passed away on Friday at age-86. His passing was first reported by Jarrett Payton, son of the best player Ditka ever coached, running back Walter Payton, and was later confirmed by multiple outlets.
Ditka became a legend by leading the 1985 Chicago Bears to one of the most dominant championship runs in league history. Led by Payton and arguably the best defense the NFL has ever seen, the Bears finished the regular season at 15-1, then outscored their three playoff opponents by a combined score of 96-10, capped by a blowout of the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XX.
The family shared this statement, via Jarrett Payton:
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. With love and gratitude, The Ditka Family
Ditka was fired by the Bears in 1993. He’s still the only Super Bowl-winning coach in franchise history.
Ditka was also a Hall of Fame tight end during his playing days, and helped power the Bears to the 1963 NFL championship before the Super Bowl era. He was the NFL’s 1961 Offensive Rookie of the Year, and a two-time First-Team All-Pro. Ditka was also the New Orleans Saints’ head coach from 1997-1999.
The Bears play the rival Green Bay Packers on Sunday in Week 5. The Bears also played the Packers right after Payton passed away in 1999, and it was one of the most memorable games of the rivalry.
We’ll update this story as it develops.