
Bill McCartney, who passed away on January 10, 2025, at the age of 84, was a transformative figure in college football, particularly known for intensifying the rivalry between the University of Colorado Buffaloes and the University of Nebraska Cornhuskers.
When McCartney took over as Colorado’s head coach in 1982, the Buffaloes were struggling. Recognizing the need to elevate his team’s performance, he set his sights on Nebraska, a dominant force in the Big Eight Conference under coach Tom Osborne. McCartney believed that by challenging the best, Colorado could rise in stature. He famously banned red—the primary color of Nebraska—from Colorado’s facilities and coined the phrase “Better dead than red,” fostering a culture of fierce competition.
This strategy paid off. In 1986, Colorado achieved a significant milestone by defeating Nebraska 20-10, marking their first victory over the Cornhuskers since 1967. This win was pivotal, signaling Colorado’s emergence as a formidable competitor. Under McCartney’s leadership, the Buffaloes continued to challenge Nebraska, culminating in a national championship in 1990.
The rivalry reached its zenith in the early 1990s. In 1991, a memorable game in Boulder ended in a tie after a snowstorm, with Nebraska missing a potential game-winning field goal amid snowballs thrown from the crowd. The following year, Nebraska responded emphatically with a 52-7 victory, a game still remembered by fans as one of the loudest in Memorial Stadium’s history.
McCartney’s rivalry with Osborne was characterized by mutual respect. Despite the intense on-field competition, the two coaches maintained a cordial relationship. Osborne reflected on this dynamic, noting that their rivalry was based on respect rather than animosity.
McCartney’s approach not only elevated Colorado’s program but also had a profound impact on Nebraska. The heightened competition pushed the Cornhuskers to improve, contributing to their national championships in the mid-1990s. The rivalry brought out the best in both programs, leading to some of the most memorable games in college football history.
Beyond the field, McCartney was known for his strong faith and commitment to his family. He retired from coaching in 1994 to focus on personal matters, including supporting his wife, Lyndi, who was battling health issues. In 2016, his family announced that he had been diagnosed with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
Bill McCartney’s legacy is defined by his role in transforming Colorado football and intensifying one of college football’s most storied rivalries. His strategic focus on Nebraska not only elevated the Buffaloes but also pushed the Cornhuskers to new heights, leaving an indelible mark on both programs.