Mike Ditka, who coached the Bears to their only Super Bowl championship, has died
Posted
Mark Potash (via Chicago Sun-Times)
Mike Ditka, the Hall of Fame tight end who played on the Bears’ 1963 NFL championship team and coached the team to its only Super Bowl championship after the 1985 season, has died. He was 86.
He died about 9 a.m. Friday surrounded by family and friends, a family spokesperson said.
A statement issued by the family said that "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."
As a player, a coach and a larger-than-life personality who invigorated a generation of Bears fans, Ditka left an indelible mark on the Chicago sporting landscape — from the playing field to sports talk to pop culture — that few can match. Of Chicago’s impressive list of Hall of Fame athletes — Sid Luckman, Walter Payton, Bobby Hull, Ernie Banks, Stan Mikita, Frank Thomas among the all-time greats — only Michael Jordan can challenge Ditka’s legacy as a local sports icon.
As a Bears legend, Ditka was one of the last direct links to George Halas, the Bears’ founder and owner. Halas drafted Ditka out of Pittsburgh in 1961. And even after a falling out that led to Halas trading Ditka in the prime of Ditka’s career in 1967, Halas hand-picked Ditka to coach the Bears in 1982. Four years later, Halas was gone (he died in 1983), but Ditka led the Bears to victory in Super Bowl XX in the midst of the best run of Bears success since winning four NFL titles from 1940-47 with Luckman at quarterback.
Bears Hall of Fame tight end Mike Ditka poses for a photo during training camp at St. Joseph’s College in Rensselaer, Indiana, Aug. 5, 1963.|AP Photo
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Chicago Bears tight end Mike Ditka #89 assumes a horizontal position as he snares a pass and is hit at same time by Los Angeles Rams defensive back Carver Shannon during the second quarter at Chicago’s Wrigley Field, Nov. 10, 1963.|Sun-Times file photo
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Chicago Bears tight end Mike Ditka hauls in a pass from quarterback Bill Wade for touchdown in the second quarter at Wrigley Field, Aug. 8, 1964.|Sun-Times file photo
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Chicago Bears quarterback Rudy Bukich #10 rolls away from Detroit Lions linebacker Wally Hilgenberg #67 and flips a 3-yard touchdown pass to tight end Mike Ditka #89 at Wrigley Field, Oct. 24, 1965.|Sun-Times file photo
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Chicago Bears tight end Mike Ditka #89 catches a pass from quarterback Rudy Bukich in the first quarter for a gain of yards at Wrigley Field, Nov. 8, 1965.|Ralph Arvidson/Sun-Times
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Chicago Bears tight end Mike Ditka #89 doesn’t let teammate Dick Gordon interfere with his pass catching, as he snares a throw from quarterback Rudy Bukich during the second quarter against the Los Angeles Rams at Wrigley Field, Dec. 10, 1965.|Sun-Times file photo
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Mike Ditka, new head coach of the Chicago Bears, demonstrates a running drill for his players at the opening of the Bears’ training camp at Lake Forest College, July 26, 1982.|AP Photo
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Bears coach Mike Ditka isn’t burying his head in the sand, he’s showing off a head stand during workout in Lake Forest, Aug. 11, 1982.|Dom Najolia/Sun-Times
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Chicago Bears head coach Mike Ditka introduces the team’s first round draft pick Marshall Wilber to the media, May 1, 1984.|UPI
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Chicago Bears head coach Mike Ditka talks with players at training camp, July 30, 1985.|UPI
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Chicago Bears coach Mike Ditka chats with Dallas Cowboys coach Tom Landry before the game starts at Texas Stadium, Nov. 17, 1985.|Barry Jarvinen/Sun-Times
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Chicago Bears head coach Mike Ditka speaks with quarterback Jim McMahon during a timeout against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Solder Field, Sept. 8, 1985.|Phil Velasquez/Sun-Times
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Mike Ditka puts the reins on William Ferry when Perry tried to enter the game during the third quarter against the Atlanta Falcons at Soldier Field, Nov. 24, 1985.|Barry Jarvinen/Sun-Times
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Chicago Bears defensive end Richard Dent hugs coach Mike Ditka after the victory over New England in Super Bowl XX, Jan. 26, 1986.|UPI
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Chiago Bears coach Mike Ditka is carried off the field by defensive linemen William Perry and Steve McMichael after the Bears defeated the New England Patriots 46-10 in Super Bowl XX, Jan. 26, 1986.|Phil Velasquez/Sun-Times
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Chicago Bears head coach Mike Ditka is carried off the field by Steve McMichael, left, and William Perry after the Bears win Super Bowl XX in New Orleans, La., on Jan. 26, 1986. The Bears’ Willie Gault #83 and Maury Buford #8 join in celebrating their 46-10 victory over the New England Patriots.|AP Photo
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Chicago Bear head coach Mike Ditka talks to President Ronald Reagan after Super Bowl XX in New Orleans on Sunday, Jan. 27, 1986 in New Orleans. Ditka got the congratulations while Berry received condolences. The Bears won 46-10.|AP Photo
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Chicago Bears coach Mike Ditka stands up in the limo to wave to fans during the Super Bowl victory parade on LaSalle Street in the Loop, Jan. 27, 1986.|Sun-Times file photo
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Fans hold a “Ditka for Mayor sign” at the Washington Redskins vs. Chicago Bears playoff football game at Soldier Field, Jan. 10, 1987.|Sun-Times file photo
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Chicago Bears head coach Mike Ditka stands on the sidelines during the Washington Redskins playoff game at Soldier Field, Jan. 10, 1987.|Sun-Times file photo
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Mike Ditka, Ken Harrelson, Michael Jordan and Jim McMahon on the golf course during the Pro Celebrity Skins Game for charity at Butler National Golf Course in Oak Brook, July 28, 1987.|Sun-Times file photo
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Former Chicago Bears head coacg Mike Ditka takes a swing during the Pro Celebrity Skins Game for charity at Butler National Golf Course in Oak Brook, July 28, 1987.|Sun-Times file photo
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Former Chicago Bears head coacg Mike Ditka takes a swing during the Pro Celebrity Skins Game for charity at Butler National Golf Course in Oak Brook, July 28, 1987.|Sun-Times file photo
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Chicago Bears football coach Mike Ditka gestures as talk show host Johnny Carson listens during taping of “The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson” in Burbank, Calif., Jan. 20, 1987. Ditka said he would reevaluate his situation with the Bears at the end of next season.|AP Photo
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Chicago Bears head coach Mike Ditka talks to quarterback Mike Tomczak during a pre-season game agains the Miami Dolphins in August 1987.|Sun-Times file photo
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Chicago Bears head coach Mike Ditka talks to quarterback Mike Tomczak during a pre-season game agains the Miami Dolphins in August 1987.|Sun-Times file photo
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Chicago Bears head coach Mike Ditka pushes Emery Mooread into the game on a 3rd-down play against the Minnesota Vikings at Soldier Field, Oct. 11, 1987.|Bob Ringham/Sun-Times
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Class of 1988 Inductees Fred Blletnlkoff, Mlke Ditka, Jack Ham and Alan Page stand before their friends, family and fans at the conclusion of the 26th Annual Enshrinement Ceremony of the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Cantor, Ohio, July 30, 1988.|UPI
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Chicago Bears head coach Mike Ditka watches practice from his customized golf cart, Saturday, July 23, 1988.|Sun-Times file photo
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Head coach Mike Ditka of the Chicago Bears instructs quarterback Jim McMahon during the Bears 24-6 victory over the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin, Sept. 25, 1988.|Getty Images
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Head coach Mike Ditka of the Chicago Bears instructs quarterback Jim McMahon during the Bears 24-6 victory over the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin, Sept. 25, 1988.|Sun-Times file photo
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Chicago Bears head coach Mike Ditka stands on the sidelines during a game against the Detroit Lions at Soldier Field, Dec. 11, 1988.|Sun-Times file photo
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Mike Ditka gives the charge sign to his pro partner, Jim Benepe, during a Pro-Celebrity Skins Game for charity at Butler National Golf Course, June 27, 1989.|Sun-Times file photo
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Chicago Bears head coach Mike Ditka watches Bears players during the summer camp workout at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville at 1 University Plaza in Platteville, Wisconsin in July 1989. Onlookers sit on the lawn by the field in the background.|Sun-Times file photo
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Chicago Bears head coach Mike Ditka works with players during the summer camp workout at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville at 1 University Plaza in Platteville, Wisconsin in August 1989.|Sun-Times file photo
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Chicago Bears head coach Mike Ditka watches Bears players during the summer camp workout at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville at 1 University Plaza in Platteville, Wisconsin in August 1989.|Sun-Times file photo
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Chicago Bears coach Mike Ditka is restrained by defensive end Richard Dent #95 from going after the referee after a disputed call on a pass play in the first half of game against the Minnesota Vikings, Dec. 3, 1989 in Minneapolis. The call against the Bears forced them to punt.|AP Photo
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Mike Ditka poses at the Marshall Fields on State Street as he signs autographs for people who bought his new cologne, called, “Iron Mike,” sold exclusively in the Chicago area, June 15, 1990.|Richard A. Chapman/Sun-Times
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The Chicago Bears football team, including coach Mike Ditka, arrives for their first practice at the McBubble, the Bears’ new indoor practice facility at 3550 Amhurst Parkway in Waukegan, Nov. 21, 2990.|Sun-Times file photo
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Chicago Bears head coach Mike Ditka stands on the sidelines before a preseason game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Soldier Field, Aug. 23, 1990.|Sun-Times file photo
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Chicago Bears head coach Mike Ditka stands on the sidelines during a game in 1991.|Sun-Times file photo
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Chicago Bears head coach Mike Ditka stands on the sidelines at Soldier Field as the Bears lose to the New York Giants, 27-14, and Ditka doesn’t like what he sees, Sept. 21, 1992.|Sun-Times file photo
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Chicago Bears coach Mike Ditka has a few words for quarterback Jim Harbaugh after an interception in the fourth quarter of the Bears game against the Vikings in Minneapolis, Sunday, Oct. 5, 1992. After the interception, the Vikings came back to win, 21-20.|AP Photo
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Chicago Bears coach Mike Ditka argues with reporter Phil Theobald during a day-after-game press conference at Halas Hall in Lake Forest, Oct. 20, 1992.|Phil Velasquez/Sun-Times
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Chicago Bears head coach Mike Ditka talks with reporters after being fired by team president Michael McCaskey (background), in Lake Forest, Ill., Jan. 5, 1993. Ditka was fired after 11 years as head coach of the Bears.|AP Photo
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Mike Ditka talks to reporters at Halas Hall in Lake Forest after being fired by the Chicago Bears, Jan. 5, 1993.|Tom Cruze/Sun-Times
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Former Chicago Bears running back Walter Payton, left, greets his former coach, Mike Ditka, now the coach of the New Orleans Saints, during pre-game warmups before the Saints - Bears game at Soldier Field in Chicago, Friday night, Aug. 22, 1997.|AP Photo
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New Orleans Saints’ head coach Mike Ditka watches his team play against his former team the Chicago Bears during the first half at Soldier Field in Chicago, Sunday, Oct. 3, 1999.|Michael Schmidt/Sun-Times
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New Orleans Saints coach Mike Ditka leaves the field after the Saints’ 45-13 loss to the Carolina Panthers at Ericsson Stadium in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Jan. 2, 2000. Ditka was fired as coach of the Saints Wednesday Jan. 5, 2000.|AP Photo
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Former Chicago Bears head coach Mike Ditka throws out the first pitch before the Chicago Cubs game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Wrigley Field, Friday, Aug. 25, 2000.|Richard A. Chapman/Sun-Times
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Former Chicago Bears head coach Mike Ditka acknowledges the crowd’s applause after throwing out the first pitch before the Chicago Cubs game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Wrigley Field, Friday, Aug. 25, 2000.|Richard A. Chapman/Sun-Times
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Co-owner Mike Ditka talks briefly with the players after practice at the Chicago Rush arena football team practice facility in Hoffman Estates, Wednesday, Jan. 12, 2005.|Rich Hein/Sun-Times
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Coach Mike Ditka talks with Lacy Banks after introducing “Grabowski,” the new mascot for the Chicago Rush arena football team at Ditka’s restaurant, Tuesday, Sept. 27, 2005.|Jean Lachat/Sun-Times
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Mike Ditka and coach Will Ferrell in the 2005 movie “Kicking and Screaming.”|Provided
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During a congressional hearing on the National Football League’s system for compensating retired players, Hall of Fame tight end and head coach Mike Ditka listens to testimony June 26, 2007 in Washington, DC. Former players and coaches including Ditka, Harry Carson, and Curt Marsh were scheduled to testify during the hearing before a subcommittee of the House Judiciary Committee.|Getty Images
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Mike Ditka blows out candles to celebrate his 71st birthday during a radiocast show with “Silvy & Waddle” at Ditka’s restaurant in Chicago, Oct. 14, 2010.|Al Podgorski/Sun-Times
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Former Chicago Bears head football coach Mike Ditka presents President Barack Obama with a jersey as the 1985 Super Bowl XX Champions as the Bears football team is honored on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, Oct. 7, 2011.|AP Photo
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Former Bears’ defensive coordinator Buddy Ryan gestures as he walks in with former head coach Mike Ditka, and President Barack Obama, during an event honoring the 1985 Super Bowl XX Champions Chicago Bears football team on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, Oct. 7, 2011.|AP Photo
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Mike Ditka grills his new one-third pound Ditka Sausages during his outdoor Monster Sausage Cookout outside the Vienna Beef Factory Store and Cafe, Monday, Oct. 8, 2013.|Chandler West/For the Sun-Times
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Former Chicago Bears player and coach Mike Ditka speaks as his No. 89 is retired during a halftime ceremony of an NFL football game, Monday, Dec. 9, 2013.|AP Photo
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Former Chicago Bears player and coach Mike Ditka speaks as his No. 89 is retired during a halftime ceremony of an NFL football game, Monday, Dec. 9, 2013.|Michael Schmidt/Sun-Times
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Mike Ditka speaks during a City Club of Chicago panel discussion on concussions in the NFL at Maggiano’s Banquets in River North, Sept. 12, 2016.|Santiago Covarrubias/Sun-Times
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Former NFL coach Mike Ditka stands with Chicago Cubs manager Joe Maddon during the National Anthem before a game against the Colorado Rockies at Wrigley Field on June 8, 2017.|Getty Images
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Mike Ditka takes the stage during the Chicago Bears convention at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Friday, June 7, 2019.|Mark Black/For the Sun-Times
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Chicago Bears legend Mike Ditka walks the Orange Carpet during the Chicago Bears convention at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Friday, June 7, 2019.|Mark Black/For the Sun-Times
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Former Chicago Bears coach Mike Ditka speaks during a ceremony for the unveiling of statues of Hall of Famers Walter Payton and George Halas outside of Gate 0 at Soldier Field, Tuesday morning, Sept. 3, 2019.|Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times
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Former Chicago Bears coach Mike Ditka speaks during a ceremony for the unveiling of statues of Hall of Famers Walter Payton and George Halas outside of Gate 0 at Soldier Field, Tuesday morning, Sept. 3, 2019.|Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times
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Former Chicago Bears coach Mike Ditka signs autographs before a ceremony for the unveiling of statues of Hall of Famers Walter Payton and George Halas outside of Gate 0 at Soldier Field, Tuesday morning, Sept. 3, 2019.|Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times
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Former Chicago Bears coach Mike Ditka signs autographs before a ceremony for the unveiling of statues of Hall of Famers Walter Payton and George Halas outside of Gate 0 at Soldier Field, Tuesday morning, Sept. 3, 2019.|Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times
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Nearly 40 years after that glorious 1985 season, the team hasn’t had even a semblance of the Ditka-era success. In 31 seasons since Ditka was fired by team president Michael McCaskey in 1993, the Bears have yet to have even three consecutive playoff seasons or three consecutive winning seasons.
The son of an ex-Marine, Michael Keller Ditka grew up in Aliquippa, Pennsylvania, 20 miles northwest of Pittsburgh, and was a three-sport star — football, basketball and baseball — at Aliquippa High School. As a shortstop, he attracted interest from the Cincinnati Reds and Milwaukee Braves as a senior. But he opted for football and chose Pitt over Notre Dame and Penn State.
Impact player
Ditka also played basketball and baseball at Pitt, but it was clear that football was his future. As a senior, Ditka was a first-team All-American at end. He was the defensive star in Pitt’s 10-0 upset of No. 3 Syracuse, ending the defending national champion Orangemen’s 16-game winning streak. His 59-yard catch paved the way for a victory over No. 14 Notre Dame the following week. And the week after that, Ditka blocked a punt in a 7-7 tie with No. 12 Army.
“He is the best college player in the country,” Pittsburgh Steelers coach Buddy Parker said of Ditka.
Parker likely wanted Ditka for the hometown Steelers and nearly had the chance. The Bears selected Ditka with the fifth overall pick of the 1961 draft (conducted Dec. 27, 1960) — after winning a coin flip with the Steelers.
Halas was looking to capitalize on Ditka’s outstanding blocking ability, but quickly realized he had much more than that in the 6-3, 230-pound end. Combining his size, strength, athleticism with his own brand of relentless aggressiveness, Ditka transformed the end position into a pass-catching, big-play role rarely seen before in the NFL.
He had 56 receptions for 1,076 yards (19.2 yards per catch) and a franchise-record-tying 12 touchdowns as a rookie in 1961 — winning the NFL Rookie of the Year Award.
Ditka made the Pro Bowl his first five seasons with the Bears and was named first-team All-Pro in 1963 and 1964. His 75 receptions (for 897 yards and five touchdowns) in 1964 set an NFL record for a tight end that lasted for 16 seasons, until the Chargers’ Kellen Winslow had 89 receptions in 1980.
But Ditka became disenchanted in 1966, when he had just 32 receptions for 378 yards and two touchdowns and, claiming a “clash of personalities” with Halas, signed a three-year contract with the AFL’s Houston Oilers. Before the Bears could challenge the legality of that move — the AFL and NFL were in the process of a merger — Halas traded Ditka to the Eagles for quarterback Jack Concannon.
Ditka played two seasons with the Eagles and four with the Cowboys, but never had the same impact. He did win a Super Bowl with the Cowboys, catching a seven-yard touchdown pass to complete a 24-3 victory over the Dolphins in Super Bowl VI in Dallas’ 24-3 victory after the 1971 season.
Move to the sideline
Ditka retired after the 1972 season — his 427 career receptions were the most by an NFL tight end at the time. He immediately became a special teams and wide receivers coach for the Cowboys and coach Tom Landry. He was never considered a major candidate for a head coaching job, but always had his eye on the Bears.
“In 1978, I wrote Mr. Halas a letter,” Ditka said in his book, “In Life, First You Kick Ass,” written with Sun-Times columnist Rick Telander. “I was the special teams coach for the Cowboys and I was no big deal. Maybe I was a little wild. But what I said in the letter was, ‘We didn’t part on the best of terms when you traded me, but I would love to come back some day, back to Chicago. And be the head coach. I’m not ready yet, but I will be some day. I’ll bring back Chicago Bears tradition and pride. I promise.’”
Halas took Ditka’s sentiment to heart. In 1982, after consecutive seasons of 7-9 and 6-10, he fired coach Neill Armstrong and hired Ditka.
“I believe everyone has a destiny in life and mine is with the Chicago Bears,” Ditka said at the press conference announcing his hiring.
The timing was just right. With general manager Jim Finks building the roster with young talent (Dan Hampton, Otis Wilson, Matt Suhey, Mike Singletary, Keith Van Horne to go with star Walter Payton), the Bears added Jim McMahon in 1982 and a stellar 1983 draft class that included future Hall of Famers Richard Dent and Jimbo Covert.
They were ready for takeoff. The Bears went 10-6 and reached the NFC Championship game in 1984, then went 15-1 and won the Super Bowl in 1985 — one of the best NFL teams of all time. That was the start of an eight-season run in which the Bears went 90-37 and made the playoffs seven times.
Bears head coach Mike Ditka is carried off the field by Steve McMichael, left, and William Perry after the Bears win Super Bowl XX in New Orleans on Jan. 26, 1986.
Phil Sandlin/AP
They never got back to the Super Bowl, though. And on a team of personalities and egos, Ditka’s own personality and ego played a part in the demise of that era. After going 5-11 in 1992, Ditka was fired by team president Michael McCaskey.
As it turned out, Ditka and the Bears were never better than when they were together. Ditka was hired to coach the Saints in 1997, but went 6-10, 6-10 and 3-13 and was fired after three seasons.
Pop star
Ditka’s popularity never waned. In fact, it continued to grow as the Bears futilely struggled to recapture the glory of the Ditka era. Ditka stayed in the public eye by doing NFL analysis on ESPN, CBS and NBC and radio stations, including WMVP-AM in Chicago.
The Ditka legend continued to be self-perpetuating. The “Superfans” skit on Saturday Night Live in the 1990s that was inspired by Bears fans’ almost irrational reverence for Ditka has itself sustained the fans’ love for “Da Coach.”
Ditka was noticeably absent at major Bears events in recent years because of declining health. He did not attend Steve McMichael's induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in August 2024 and was not one of the myriad members of the 1985 Bears honored in person at Soldier Field during the 40th anniversary season.
During the lead up to the Super Bowl earlier this month, McMahon said Ditka would have been the perfect teammate because he played the game the right way.
"Had he been in my huddle, he would’ve understood me a hell of a lot better," he told the Sun-Times. "He would’ve known I actually do know what I’m doing and we wouldn’t have fought so much. We probably would’ve hung out more than anybody.
"He’s going to be missed. He made his mark in this world and in this league being who he was.”
That’s the kind of effect that made Ditka more than just another popular player or coach. There might someday be another personality who matches his accomplishments. But there will never be another Mike Ditka. He’ll be remembered for his best moments and his worst, and for his indomitable spirit that was both a strength and a flaw. But he never will be forgotten.
