Legendary Colorado Coaching Icon McCartney Passes at 84
Dan McCartney, the winningest coach in Colorado Buffs football history, passed away at the age of 84. McCartney, who led the Buffs to four conference championships and nine bowl games, died peacefully at his home in Boulder on Tuesday, surrounded by family.
A Coaching Legend
McCartney was born in 1938 in Denver, Colorado. He played football at the University of Colorado before embarking on a successful coaching career. He served as an assistant coach for the Buffs, the Denver Broncos, and the New York Jets before being named the head coach of the Buffs in 1982.
McCartney quickly turned the Buffs into a winning program. In his first season, he led the team to an 8-4 record, including a victory over Nebraska in the Orange Bowl. The Buffs went on to win the Big Eight Conference championship in 1984 and 1989, and the Big 12 Conference championship in 1990 and 1994. McCartney also led the Buffs to nine bowl games, including the Fiesta Bowl in 1989 and the Orange Bowl in 1990.
A Complex Legacy
McCartney’s legacy is complex. He was a successful coach who won a lot of games, but he was also known for his fiery temper and his controversial coaching style. McCartney was often criticized for being too harsh on his players, and he was fired by the Buffs in 1994 after a 5-6 season.
Despite his controversial moments, McCartney is widely considered to be one of the greatest coaches in Colorado football history. He was inducted into the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame in 1998 and the College Football Hall of Fame in 2012.
Perspectives on McCartney
Players: Many of McCartney’s former players praised him for his toughness and his dedication to winning. Former Buff quarterback Kordell Stewart said, “Coach McCartney was a great coach. He was tough, but he was fair. He always had our best interests at heart.”
Fans: Buffs fans were divided on McCartney. Some admired his success, while others criticized his coaching style. Former Buff fan Tim Smith said, “Coach McCartney was a great coach, but he was also a very controversial figure. He had his critics, but he also had a lot of supporters.”
Media: The media often portrayed McCartney as a fiery and outspoken coach. Sportswriter Woody Paige wrote, “Coach McCartney was a great coach, but he was also a very volatile personality. He was known for his temper and his controversial statements.”
Conclusion
Dan McCartney was a complex figure who had a significant impact on Colorado football. He was a successful coach who won a lot of games, but he was also known for his fiery temper and his controversial coaching style. McCartney’s legacy will continue to be debated for years to come, but there is no doubt that he was one of the most influential figures in Colorado football history.
