Mike Ditka, the iconic former Chicago Bears coach and Pro Football Hall of Fame tight end, has died at the age of 86, his family confirmed on Friday. The cause of death has not been disclosed.
Ditka became a household name after guiding the Chicago Bears to victory in Super Bowl XX in 1986, following their dominant 1985 season. Under his leadership, the team recorded 15 wins and just one loss during the regular season before defeating the New England Patriots 46-10 in the championship game.
Appointed head coach in 1982, Ditka led Chicago to seven playoff appearances across 11 seasons. He later coached the New Orleans Saints for three seasons.
Before coaching, Ditka played for the Bears, Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys. He became the first tight end inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1988 and was also honoured in the College Football Hall of Fame.
Beyond football, Ditka became a popular television personality, sports analyst and businessman, appearing in commercials and entertainment programmes.
His family remembered him as a beloved husband, father and grandfather, saying his absence would be deeply felt.
