Colorado Buffaloes

Legendary Colorado football coach Bill McCartney diagnosed with late-onset Alzheimer's

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 3:21 p.m. ET

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Aaron Torres

The college football world received a bit of sad news on Monday, when the family of legendary coach Bill McCartney announced that he is suffering from late on-set Dementia/Alzheimer’s.

The family released a statement detailing the news shortly before noon ET on Monday. It read:

"We would like to share the news that our father, Coach Bill McCartney has been diagnosed with late-onset Dementia/Alzheimer's.  We (his family) have been noticing memory issues for the past few years and he was recently diagnosed.  He is receiving treatment and we are hoping this slows the progression of the disease.  He is still the same Coach Mac – biking, golfing, supporting the Buffs and being an active member of his Church.

"We are making this public to ask for your understanding and patience as we know he frequently runs into fans, friends and former players.  This is a frustrating and confusing disease, and if he appears disconnected or unknowing, please don't take it personally.

"Please keep Coach Mac in your thoughts and prayers as we navigate through this difficult time."

— The McCartney Family

McCartney is one of the sport’s true icons, after spending 13 years at Colorado, where he won a school record 93 games, which included a national championship in 1990 following an 11-1-1 season.  He also won three Big Eight titles, to go along with three second place finishes in conference play in his final three years at the school.

McCartney retired following the 1994 season, and has worked full-time for the Christian organization "Promise Keepers" according to the school.

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