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Former Bears Coach, Vikings Nemesis Mike Ditka Passes Away

On Friday, the National Football League lost one of the legendary figures of the sport, and someone who fans of the Minnesota Vikings are very familiar with, even though he never wore the purple and gold. Mike Ditka, who was…

By Christopher Gates · Daily Norseman

Published: Saturday, 10 October 2026 at 1:26 AM

Key Things to Know

Former Chicago Bears head coach and Hall of Fame tight end Mike Ditka has passed away at age 86.
Ditka won Super Bowls as an NFL player, an assistant coach, and a head coach.
He served as head coach of the Bears for 11 seasons between 1982 and 1992.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Pro Football Hall of Famer and former Chicago Bears head coach Mike Ditka has passed away at the age of 86. Ditka entered the NFL in 1961 as a tight end for Chicago before going on to play for the Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys. He later coached the Bears for 11 seasons from 1982 to 1992, guiding the franchise to a Super Bowl victory.

Ditka holds the rare distinction of winning a Super Bowl as a player, assistant coach, and head coach. Following his tenure with Chicago, he also served as the head coach of the New Orleans Saints from 1997 through 1999 before concluding his coaching career and transitioning into sports broadcasting.

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Former Bears Coach, Vikings Nemesis Mike Ditka Passes Away

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