Former Colorado Football Coach Bill McCartney Diagnosed with Dementia

The family of former Colorado football coach Bill McCartney revealed Monday he has been diagnosed with late-onset dementia/Alzheimer's disease in a statement, according to David Plati of CUBuffs.com:

"

We would like to share the news that our father, Coach Bill McCartney has been diagnosed with late-onset Dementia/Alzheimer's. We (his family) have been noticing memory issues for the past few years and he was recently diagnosed. He is receiving treatment and we are hoping this slows the progression of the disease. He is still the same Coach Mac - biking, golfing, supporting the Buffs and being an active member of his Church.  

We are making this public to ask for your understanding and patience as we know he frequently runs into fans, friends and former players. This is a frustrating and confusing disease, and if he appears disconnected or unknowing, please don't take it personally.

Please keep Coach Mac in your thoughts and prayers as we navigate through this difficult time.

"

Colorado hired McCartney to be the team's head coach in 1982 and promptly led the Buffaloes to a 93-55-5 record before retiring in 1994, making him the winningest football coach in school history. He led the team to the 1990 Associated Press national championship—the coaches poll voted Georgia Tech the champions—three straight Big Eight Conference titles and eight bowl games.

Twice the Buffaloes played Notre Dame in the Orange Bowl with the national title on the line, losing to them in the 1989 season but beating them a year later.

The 1990 national championship season included the team's famous "fifth down" against Missouri, when officials inexplicably awarded Colorado a fifth down, and the team scored the game-winning touchdown on the final play of the game.

McCartney was elected to the College Football Hall of Fame in 2013.