LAKE FOREST, Ill. (104.3 The Score) — Mike Ditka, a beloved Chicago Bears icon, Super Bowl-winning head coach and Pro Football Hall of Famer, has died at the age of 86, his family confirmed in a statement Friday.
"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," the Ditkas said in announcing his passing. "Mike will be missed beyond measure and remembered forever."
Born and raised in Western Pennsylvania, Ditka became a beloved son of Chicago. He was selected at No. 5 overall by the Bears in the 1961 NFL Draft and played six seasons with the team. Ditka had a 12-year NFL playing career, which included stints with Philadelphia and Dallas, and was inducted into the Hall of Fame as a tight end in 1988.
Ditka retired after the 1972 season and entered the coaching ranks with the Cowboys. He served as assistant head coach and special teams coordinator for nine years in Dallas before he got a call from Chicago.
The Bears hired Ditka as their head coach in 1982. He led the heritage franchise with the same relentlessness and toughness that he brought as a player.
Ditka led the 1985 Bears to the Super Bowl title in January 1986, the franchise's lone Super Bowl win, capping a memorable season in which Chicago went 15-1 in the regular season. Those 1985 Bears are arguably the greatest team in NFL history.
"We are deeply saddened by the passing of legendary and treasured Chicago Bear and Pro Football Hall of Famer Mike Ditka," the Bears said in a statement.
"Mike's impact on the Chicago Bears organization, over decades as a player, coach and proud icon and ambassador for our organization, is immeasurable. 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.
"We extend our love, prayers, and heartfelt condolences to the Ditka family and join all Bears fans in deep sadness and reverence as we remember and honor Mike Ditka."
Ditka was 106-62 over 11 years leading the Bears as head coach from 1982-'92. He also worked three years as the Saints' head coach from 1997-'99, going 15-33 without a playoff appearance.
The passing of Ditka comes just two days before the Bears (3-1) meet with the rival Packers (2-2) on Sunday at Lambeau Field. Coach Ben Johnson said he plans to discuss Ditka's legacy with his team.
"Coach Ditka is the gold standard in terms of this place," Johnson said. "I mean, he's a legend around here. As a player, as a coach, his impact is still being felt to this day. As the head coach of the Bears, I feel humbled to be in that same chair that he was once in. It's a sad day just hearing he's passing on."
In his life after coaching, Ditka had been a businessman, broadcaster and even an actor. He was also a pivotal part of the history of The Score as a guest during his final season coaching the Bears in 1992 – the station's first year – and was often heard years later.
Ditka had endured health issues over the years, including a mild heart attack in 1988, a stroke in 2012 and a second heart attack in 2018. Amid those battles, Ditka remained a beloved presence around Chicago and the game of football.
Chris Emma covers the Bears and the Chicago sports scene for 104.3 The Score.
