Hall of Fame player and coach Mike Ditka dies at 86

The short version

• Mike Ditka, a Pro Football Hall of Famer who played and coached across decades in the NFL, has died at age 86.[Fox News · CBS News · The Guardian]
• His family confirmed his passing in a statement issued on Friday morning.[Fox News · CBS News · The Guardian · Associated Press]
• Ditka notably coached the 1985 Chicago Bears to a Super Bowl XX championship over the New England Patriots.[Fox News · CBS News · NBC News]
• A cause of death was not immediately disclosed by his family.[The Hollywood Reporter · Variety · The Guardian]

Key facts

• Mike Ditka died at the age of 86, his family announced in a statement on Friday.[Fox News · CBS News · The Guardian]
• Ditka coached the 1985 Chicago Bears to a 46-10 victory over the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XX.[CBS News · NBC News]
• In 1988, Ditka became the first tight end inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.[Fox News · CBS News]
• The Pro Football Hall of Fame announced its museum flag would fly at half staff in his honor.[CBS News]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.

• Legendary Bears head coach Mike Ditka dead at 86Fox News
• Mike Ditka, legendary Chicago Bears head coach, dies at 86The Guardian - US
• Mike Ditka, former Chicago Bears head coach, dies at 86CBS News - Top Stories
• Mike Ditka, Legendary Chicago Bears Coach and Football Analyst, Dies at 86Variety metered
• Mike Ditka, legendary Chicago Bears coach, dies at 86NBC News - Top Stories
• Mike Ditka, No-Nonsense Chicago Bears Legend and TV Analyst, Dies at 86The Hollywood Reporter metered
• Mike Ditka, the quintessential Chicago Bear, dies at 86Associated Press · Wire: associated-press
• Mike Ditka, legendary NFL player and coach, dies at 86ABC News - Top Stories
• Mike Ditka, legendary NFL player and coach, dies at 86ABC News - Top Stories