Mike Ditka dead at 86 as NFL mourns legendary Chicago Bears coach

Mike Ditka, the legendary Chicago Bears player and coach who led the team to a historic Super Bowl victory, has died aged 86.

His family confirmed his death on Friday, saying: “It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, Mike Ditka.”

Nicknamed ‘Iron Mike’, Ditka helped transform the tight-end position during his playing career before becoming one of the NFL’s most recognisable coaches.

He joined the Bears in 1961 and helped the team win the 1963 NFL championship and later played for the Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys.

Ditka returned to Chicago as head coach in 1982, leading the Bears to five consecutive division titles and their famous Super Bowl victory over the New England Patriots in 1986.

The Bears dominated that championship game, winning 46-10, with a team widely regarded as one of the greatest in NFL history.

Known for his fiery personality and demanding coaching style, Ditka became affectionately known as “Da Coach”.

He later coached the New Orleans Saints before retiring permanently in 1999.

Ditka was inducted into both the College Football and Pro Football Halls of Fame, while Chicago retired his No. 89 jersey in 2013.