# Chicago Bears legend Mike Ditka dies at 86

> Chicago Bears legend Mike Ditka dies at 86.
- Title: Chicago Bears legend Mike Ditka dies at 86 · Chicago Sun-Times
- Summary: Chicago Bears legend Mike Ditka dies at 86. Chicago Bears legend Mike Ditka died at age 86.
- Keywords: mike ditka, chicago bears, super bowl xx, hall of fame, bears coach, chicago, news, local, Bears, legend, Mike, Ditka
- Source: Chicago Sun-Times — https://chicago.suntimes.com/bears/2026/10/09/mike-ditka-chicago-bears-photos-history
- Published: 2026-10-09T19:02:26.462+00:00
- Read time: 3 min
- Topics: mike ditka, chicago bears, super bowl xx, hall of fame, bears coach, chicago, news, local
## Mike Ditka dies
Chicago Bears legend Mike Ditka died Friday at age 86.
## Hall of Fame tight end
Ditka was a Hall of Fame tight end and the only coach to lead the Bears to a Super Bowl title.
## 1963 training camp
Bears Hall of Fame tight end Mike Ditka poses for a photo during training camp at St. Joseph’s College in Rensselaer, Indiana, Aug. 5, 1963.
## 1963 game
Chicago Bears tight end Mike Ditka hauls in a pass from quarterback Bill Wade for touchdown in the second quarter at Wrigley Field, Aug. 8, 1964.
## 1965 game
Chicago Bears tight end Mike Ditka #89 catches a pass from quarterback Rudy Bukich in the first quarter for a gain of yards at Wrigley Field, Nov. 8, 1965.
## 1982 coaching
Mike Ditka, new head coach of the Chicago Bears, demonstrates a running drill for his players at the opening of the Bears’ training camp at Lake Forest College, July 26, 1982.
## 1985 game
Chicago Bears head coach Mike Ditka talks with players at training camp, July 30, 1985.
## 1985 Super Bowl
Chicago Bears defensive end Richard Dent hugs coach Mike Ditka after the victory over New England in Super Bowl XX, Jan. 26, 1986.
## 1986 Super Bowl parade
Chicago Bears head coach Mike Ditka is carried off the field by Steve McMichael, left, and William Perry after the Bears win Super Bowl XX in New Orleans, La., on Jan. 26, 1986.
## 1986 White House
Chicago Bears coach Mike Ditka talks to President Ronald Reagan after Super Bowl XX in New Orleans on Sunday, Jan. 27, 1986 in New Orleans.
## 1987 playoff game
Fans hold a “Ditka for Mayor sign” at the Washington Redskins vs. Chicago Bears playoff football game at Soldier Field, Jan. 10, 1987.
## 1987 golf game
Mike Ditka, Ken Harrelson, Michael Jordan and Jim McMahon on the golf course during the Pro Celebrity Skins Game for charity at Butler National Golf Course in Oak Brook, July 28, 1987.
## 1988 Hall of Fame
Class of 1988 Inductees Fred Blletnlkoff, Mlke Ditka, Jack Ham and Alan Page stand before their friends, family and fans at the conclusion of the 26th Annual Enshrinement Ceremony of the Pro Football Hall of…
## 1989 golf game
Mike Ditka gives the charge sign to his pro partner, Jim Benepe, during a Pro-Celebrity Skins Game for charity at Butler National Golf Course, June 27, 1989.
## 1990 cologne
Mike Ditka poses at the Marshall Fields on State Street as he signs autographs for people who bought his new cologne, called, “Iron Mike,” sold exclusively in the Chicago area, June 15, 1990.
## 1992 firing
Chicago Bears head coach Mike Ditka talks with reporters after being fired by team president Michael McCaskey (background), in Lake Forest, Ill., Jan. 5, 1993.
## Key takeaway

Chicago Bears legend Mike Ditka died at age 86.