Family of coaching legend Bill McCartney reveals Alzheimer's diagnosis

Published Nov. 15, 2016 3:49 p.m. ET

Bruce Feldman

Sad news out of Colorado Monday morning. Legendary football coach Bill McCartney has been diagnosed with late-onset Dementia/Alzheimer’s, according to a statement from his family.

"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 75-year-old McCartney retired following the 1994 season, doing so as the winningest football coach in the school’s history with a 93-55-5 record. The former Bo Schembechler assistant from his time at Michigan took over at CU and led the Buffaloes to the 1990 consensus national championship as well as to three Big Eight Conference titles. The Buffs had won just seven games in the three seasons before McCartney arrived in Boulder.

McCartney was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in its 2013 class. Following his retirement from coaching, he went to work full-time for Promise Keepers, a Christian organization he helped to create in 1990, to help better enrich men’s lives.