Bill McCartney, the legendary Colorado coach, has died at the age of 84 after battling dementia

Legendary Colorado football Coach Bill McCartney, who led the program to its only national championship, died Friday night after a long battle with dementia, his family confirmed in a statement. He was 84 years old.

McCartney, winning coach in Colorado history, died “peacefully” surrounded by his family, the university said in a statement.

Colorado Buffaloes head coach Bill McCartney before the 1990 Disney Pigskin Classic game against the Tennessee Volunteers at Anaheim Stadium on August 26, 1990. (RVR Photos/USA Today Sports)

“Our father gave his life to Jesus at the age of 33, leading the way for our family and many others. “We share his faith in Jesus and truly believe that our dad is reunited in heaven with his beloved bride and our Mother, Lynne Marie,” the family said in a statement.

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“Coach Mac has touched the lives of countless people with his unwavering faith, boundless compassion and enduring legacy as a leader, mentor and advocate for family, community and faith. A pioneer and visionary, his influence was felt both on and off the pitch, and his spirit will forever remain in the hearts of those he inspired.

“As we mourn his loss, we also celebrate the extraordinary life he lived and the love he shared with everyone around him. We are grateful for your many prayers and support during this time and ask for privacy as we navigate this difficult moment.”

Colorado head coach Bill McCartney with assistant Rick Neuheisel during a game against Texas at Memorial Stadium in Austin, Texas, on October 1, 1994. (Phil Huber/Sports Illustrated via Getty Images)

McCartney coached Colorado from 1982-94, leading the Buffaloes to three Big Eight titles, 10 consecutive winning seasons and national championship in 1990

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Decades later, his 93-55-5 record as the winningest college football coach in Buffaloes history still stands. In 2013, he was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.

“I am very saddened by the death of Coach Mac,” said CU athletic director Rick George, whom McCartney hired as recruiting coordinator in 1987.

Head coach Bill McCartney of the Colorado Buffaloes faces the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the 1990 Orange Bowl on January 1, 1990 at the Orange Bowl in Miami, Florida. (Photos by Rich Clarkson/NCAA via Getty Images)

“I was lucky to be able to say goodbye to Coach in person last week. Coach Mac was an amazing man who taught me the importance of faith, family and being a good husband, father and grandfather. He instilled discipline and responsibility in all of us who worked and played under his leadership, and the mark he left on CU football and our athletic department will be difficult to replicate.

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McCartney is best remembered for the 1990 season, when he led Colorado to an 11-1-1 record and a victory over Notre Dame for the program’s only national title.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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