Pro Football Hall of Famer Mike Ditka, the legendary player and coach who led the Chicago Bears to their only Super Bowl title, has died at age 86.
His family announced his death on Friday, October 9, 2026.
“It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, Mike Ditka.
“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,” the family said in a statement.
Ditka, born October 18, 1939 in Carnegie, Pennsylvania, revolutionized the tight end position. Drafted fifth overall by the Bears in 1961 out of Pittsburgh, he became the first tight end in NFL history to record 1,000 receiving yards in a season, winning Rookie of the Year.
A five-time Pro Bowler, he was part of the Bears’ 1963 NFL Championship team and won Super Bowl VI with the Dallas Cowboys in 1971. He was the first tight end inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1988.
After his playing career, Ditka joined Tom Landry’s staff in Dallas, winning Super Bowl XII as an assistant. He was hired by Bears founder George Halas as head coach in 1982.
Known as “Iron Mike” and “Da Coach,” Ditka led Chicago for 11 seasons from 1982-1992, reaching the playoffs seven times. His iconic 1985 Bears went 15-1 and crushed the New England Patriots 46-10 in Super Bowl XX, with one of the most dominant defenses in NFL history.
He later coached the New Orleans Saints from 1997-1999, finishing with a career head coaching record of 127-101.
Beyond football, Ditka became a restaurateur, TV analyst for NBC and ESPN, and advocate for former players. He is survived by his wife Diana and four children.
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