NFL coaches recall memories of late Hall of Famer Mike Ditka
Detroit Lions coach Dan Campbell and Los Angeles Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh shared personal anecdotes about Mike Ditka following his death at age 86, while Bears head coach Ben Johnson called him the organization’s “gold standard.”
Mike Ditka, who died at 86, was remembered by several NFL coaches during Friday press conferences. Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell recounted his first meeting with Ditka at an NFL combine, describing a small, smoke-filled room where the Hall of Fame tight end sat with a cigar and asked him personal questions about his background and football outlook. Campbell said the encounter was both intimidating and memorable.
Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh recalled that Ditka drafted him in the first round of the 1987 NFL Draft. Harbaugh said he observed Ditka writing $500 charitable checks for people he did not know, noting that the coach never publicized these acts.
Bears head coach Ben Johnson offered condolences to Ditka’s family and called the former player and coach “the gold standard” for the organization, adding that he feels humbled to occupy the same coaching chair once held by Ditka.
Other coaches also expressed sympathy and highlighted Ditka’s contributions, which include Super Bowl victories as a player and assistant with the Dallas Cowboys and as head coach of the Bears, as well as pioneering the modern receiving tight end position and becoming the first tight end inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.