Top Stories · October 9, 2026
Mike Ditka, legendary Bears coach, dead at 86
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Mike Ditka, a Hall of Fame player and legendary coach of the Chicago Bears, died at the age of 86. His family confirmed the passing in a statement on October 9, 2026. Known as 'Iron Mike' and 'Da Coach,' Ditka had a career spanning nearly five decades, during which he became one of only two men to win the Super Bowl as a player, an assistant coach, and a head coach. He is most celebrated for leading the 1985 Bears to a dominant 46-10 victory in Super Bowl XX. Beyond the field, Ditka became a cultural icon through television appearances, restaurant ventures, and a recurring 'Saturday Night Live' parody.
Mike Ditka, a Hall of Fame player and legendary coach of the Chicago Bears, died at the age of 86. His family confirmed the passing in a statement on October 9, 2026. Known as 'Iron Mike' and 'Da Coach,' Ditka had a career spanning nearly five decades, during which he became one of only two men to win the Super Bowl as a player, an assistant coach, and a head coach. He is most celebrated for leading the 1985 Bears to a dominant 46-10 victory in Super Bowl XX. Beyond the field, Ditka became a cultural icon through television appearances, restaurant ventures, and a recurring 'Saturday Night Live' parody.