In this Nov. 7, 2015, file photo, retired Colorado football head coach Bill McCartney jokes with reporters before the first half of an NCAA football game in Boulder, Colo.
BOULDER, Colo. – The family of Bill McCartney says the former Colorado football coaching great and former Michigan assistant was recently diagnosed with late-onset dementia and Alzheimer’s.
Family members said in a statement that McCartney, a Riverview native, is “still the same Coach Mac — biking, golfing, supporting the Buffs and being an active member of his church.”
Therefore, the statement continued, “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.”
McCartney, who led the Buffaloes to their only national championship in 1990, is the winningest coach in Colorado history at 93-55-5. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2013.
McCartney was an assistant coach for Bo Schembechler’s U-M football teams from 1974-81 before taking the Colorado job. Before that, he coached football and basketball at Detroit Holy Redeemer and Dearborn Divine Child.