Legendary Chicago Bears coach Mike Ditka died at 86 years old, his family announced on Friday. Ditka famously coached the 1985 Bears to the franchise's lone Super Bowl title, leading what many consider to be the greatest defense in NFL history. "It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, Mike Ditka," his family wrote in a public statement.
"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." Bears current head coach, Ben Johnson, opened his Friday media availability with a heartfelt tribute for the legendary Chicago figure. "As far as I'm concerned, Coach Ditka is the gold standard in terms of this place.
He's a legend around here as a player, as a coach," Johnson said. "His impact is still being felt to this day, and as the head coach of the Bears, I feel humbled to be in that same chair he was once in. It's a sad day." Johnson has the 2026 Bears poised with a 3-1 record heading into Sunday's Week 5 matchup against the division-rival Green Bay Packers.
Ditka went 15-5 against the Packers through his 11 seasons as head coach in Chicago. Sunday's game will kick off at 1 p.m.
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