Former Chicago Bears coach Mike Ditka passes away at age 86

Mike Ditka. USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

Former Chicago Bears coach Mike Ditka passes away at age 86

By Vanessa Serrao | Last updated Oct 9, 2026 12:41 PM ET

NFL legend and former Chicago Bears coach Mike Ditka has passed away at age 86.

Ditka transformed the tight end position prior to becoming the head coach of the Chicago Bears, who were world champions in the 1985 season.

Ditka was known for playing the position with a fierce and aggressive style that altered how offensive coordinators used the tight end as a core weapon. Ditka became the first tight end in NFL history to surpass 1,000 receiving yards while also earning five Pro Bowl selections.

Ditka established himself as one of the greatest figures in Chicago sports history as a Hall of Fame football player and leader of the Chicago Bears' Super Bowl XX championship team.

Nicknamed ''Da Coach,'' he helped lead the Bears to a 46-10 blowout victory in Super Bowl XX. They became one of the most celebrated teams in NFL history.

Legendary Bears coach Mike Ditka has passed away, @paytonsun just learned. https://t.co/2N821GERZS
— 104.3 The Score (@thescorechicago) October 9, 2026

Mike Ditka left vast football legacy

Ditka had a distinguished career and starred for the Bears, Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys — where he won Super Bowl VI — and also earned several Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors.

Ditka was also the first tight end to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Fans will forever remember him for his toughness paired with his sweater vest and blue-collar persona. His fiery sideline demeanor helped to cement his status as well.

Ahead of the 1999 NFL Draft, as head coach of the New Orleans Saints, Ditka traded all of his picks, plus a future first and third, to move up seven spots for Ricky Williams. It will continue to be remembered as an all-time draft moment in his sports career.

Vanessa Serrao

Serrao is a freelance baseball writer who has covered all MLB teams, with particular expertise on the Toronto Blue Jays. She is a member of the Internet Baseball Writers Association of America.

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