Ditka

Copyright 2013 by the Chicago Tribune

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including copying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without express written permission from the publisher.

Chicago Tribune

Tony W. Hunter, Publisher

Gerould W. Kern, Editor

R. Bruce Dold, Editorial Page Editor

Bill Adee, Vice President/Digital

Jane Hirt, Managing Editor

Joycelyn Winnecke, Associate Editor

Peter Kendall, Deputy Managing Editor

Ebook edition 1.0 September 2013

ISBN-13 978-1-57284-467-4

Agate Digital is an imprint of Agate Publishing. Agate books are available in bulk at discount prices. For more information visit agatepublishing.com.

About This Book

This book was created using articles published in the Chicago Tribune. The material has been carefully selected from the Tribune’s rich archive of material on Mike Ditka and edited to present an understanding of his impact on the Chicago Bears as a coach, player and man. Throughout the book, regular text denotes original material taken from the Tribune’s archives. Italic text denotes original material created to introduce sections.

Table of Contents

About This Book

Table of Contents

Introduction

Da Coach: Tough, Fiery Ditka Became Team’s Symbol

The Ditka Years: A Look Back over a Successful and Stormy 11 Seasons as Bears Head Coach

THE PLAYER

A Tough Act to Follow

A Hall of Fame Career

CHICAGO

Halas Begins Overhaul, Signs Ditka

A Prime Blocking Bear

Rookie of the Year

Bears the Champions!

Happy to Play in Second ‘Big Game’

THE COACH

Ditka Seeks Offensive Post with Bears

Halas Clears the Way for Talks

Frankly, Ditka Hits His Midseason Form

Sticking with the Basics

Plenty to Growl About

A Man with a Mission

A SECOND CHICAGO SUPER BOWL

Bears Don’t Plan to Let Chicago Down

It’s Always Bear Weather, Ditka Says

Silliness Over, Ditka’s Ready For Football

Bears Bring It Home

Victory Rings True for Bears

POST-’85 GLORY

A Hunger for Perfection

Mike Ditka Head Coach

Going Basic in Complex Ways

Cooling Resignation Rumors

Just Wanting to Feel Wanted

Snared in a Bear Trap

TOUGHER TIMES AHEAD

It’s Ditka’s Team — But a Little Less

‘We’ll Win It All’

Here’s One Vote for Ditka’s Plan

A Positive Sign: Ditka’s Negative

1988 Team a Monument to Ditka’s Ability

Coaching Is ‘Where I Belong’

Shula, Ditka Share Some Winning Ways

Ditka Loses His Job, But Not His Passion

Fired: Da Debate Rages on

THE MAN

Fisherman’s Catch: No Salmon, Lots of Sleep

‘Flattered’ by Image as an Ogre

The Coach Who Hates to Lose

Strokes of Nongenius

Bears Maul Foes, Ditka Mauls Press

Live! From Merrillville! It’s Mike Ditka!

Is World Ready for ‘New’ Ditka?

Breadth of a Salesman

The Town That Forged Iron Mike

In Life…New Ditka Trades Short Fuse for Long View

Ditka: The Family Man

Ditka Mellow at 55? Well, You Might Say So

Six Degrees of…Da Coach

MISHAPS

Ditka Quiet After Arrest

‘Elated’ over Ryan? Ditka Denies Quote

Bracing Ditka

Feisty Ditka Recovering After Coronary

Ditka Off and Roaring in 1st Day Back on Job

HONORS

Coach-of-Year Honor Puts Ditka in the Mood to Share

UPI Names Ditka Coach of the Year

College Hall of Fame

Another Ditka on Fast Track

Pro Football Hall of Fame

Hall Sees Ditka Bigger Than Life

Coaching Award ‘Means Nothing’

In Life, Ditka Can Get His 100th Bear Victory

Getting Sentimental

Ditka on Bears Retiring Number

‘Appropriate’ Ditka Is Last Retired Jersey

LEGACY

Brethren Failing, but Ditka Sailing

Still Crazy for Ditka

Chicago Fans Still Addicted to Ditka

‘85 Bears Won’t Shuffle Away

Da Greatest Show on Earth — 1985 Bears

Bears to the Future: A Super Bowl Victory Turned the 1985-86 Squad into Legends

Introduction

Da Coach: Tough, Fiery Ditka Became Team’s Symbol

Sunday, Aug. 13, 1995

By Don Pierson

It’s hard to pinpoint exactly when the Bears became Da Bears, but whenever that was, Mike Ditka was there.

In fact, Ditka was there from the start. At his team’s first mini-camp in 1982 he shocked players, numbed by a tradition of losing, with a Super Bowl prediction.

It was the culmination of a lifetime dream, Ditka said of the 1985 season, when the Bears made his prediction come true. I knew it was going to happen. I told the players from the first day I came in we were going to win the Super Bowl in three years.

He got his Super Bowl wish, but Ditka felt the Bears should have been more successful from the start.

We could have made the playoffs in ‘82, Ditka said. Couldn’t score on a quarterback sneak in Detroit. Halas was ticked.

In 1983, Ditka was so furious after a loss in Baltimore that he broke his hand while slamming it against a locker.

By 1984, Ditka’s rugged personality had come to symbolize the Bears. When they upset the 1982 champion Redskins in Washington with Steve Fuller at quarterback that season, the Bears were one game away from the Super Bowl. But they lost the NFC title game to the eventual champion 49ers 23-0.

They played at a level we had never seen, safety Dave Duerson said of the 49ers. Mike tried to explain it, that guys in the playoffs were more intense. We were playing at 150 m.p.h., our best ball. The Niners played at 400 m.p.h. So when we came back for the ‘85 season, we knew what it was going to take.

We were embarrassed on national TV and we never wanted it to happen again, left tackle Jim Covert said.

The next season, Ditka saw to it that it didn’t happen again.

In Minnesota, he responded to Vikings coach Bud Grant’s challenge to look good during the national anthem by instructing the Bears not only to remove their helmets, as the Vikings had done, but also to slap their hands over their hearts.

Don’t ever be upstaged by anything in life, Ditka said.

The Bears went to San Francisco in ‘85 loaded with a 5-0 record and with confidence.

Not only did they beat the 49ers 26-10, Ditka provided a hint of bigger things to come when he inserted 310-pound rookie defensive tackle William Perry into the backfield as a payback for the 49ers’ Bill Walsh using guard Guy McIntyre in a similar role in the 1984 title game.

Two years in a row the Bears had knocked off the defending world champions — they had beaten the Raiders, winners of the 1983 Super Bowl, the previous season — and were about to ascend to the throne. Of course, Ditka was the catalyst.

When you put your stamp on a team and you can see it coming over the whole period of time, that becomes exciting, Ditka said. I guess I was the leader of that team, so I think I had enough to do with it.

He was so focused on our objective, cornerback Leslie Frazier said. Every word was centered on getting the Bears back to what they were in 1963.

From the day he came in until the day after the Super Bowl, he had my utmost respect because he had a vision and focus, linebacker Mike Singletary said.

Riding back from San Francisco, the vision got impaired. On the way home from O’Hare Airport after the victory over the 49ers, Ditka was arrested for drunken driving just after midnight. He was later convicted, fined $300 and placed on court supervision for 12 months.

They could have arrested any of us that night, Duerson said.

Despite the incident, the players never lost confidence in their leader, and Ditka never stopped being Ditka.

There’s a couple of guys you want in the foxhole, and he’s got to be one of them, running back Matt Suhey said. He’s not the most pleasant guy in the heat of battle, but it’s going to be tense and you’re not going to lose very often.

He really was a great motivator, defensive back Gary Fencik said. Before the playoffs against the Giants, he told us what a great season we had, but it wouldn’t mean anything if we lost.

Quarterback Jim McMahon remembers Ditka reaming out the team after its 37-17 victory over the Lions in Detroit in the season finale.

He was saying, ‘You guys aren’t worth a darn. McMahon said. We’re thinking, ‘Didn’t we just win by 20 points?’ He said, ‘You guys better go home and find yourselves over the holidays.’"

McMahon got on the public-address system in the plane and announced to his teammates: When you find yourselves, come find me. I’ll be in the gutter somewhere.

Fencik recalls the plane ride back from the Super Bowl:

Ditka comes up to me and says, ‘You know, you’re a real jerk. I’m a jerk, too. This team needs more jerks like you and me.’

The Ditka Years: A Look Back over a Successful and Stormy 11 Seasons as Bears Head Coach

Wednesday, Jan. 6, 1993

By Paul Sullivan

Jan. 11, 1961 — Bears sign Mike Ditka, their top draft choice, in his Aliquippa, Pa., home. Ditka fits well into our plans for more offensive football next fall, says coach George Halas. He is rugged enough to take those important first-down passes over the line in heavy traffic, and from all we’ve seen, he is strong enough to clear the way for our backs.

Dec. 19, 1961 — Ditka is named NFL Rookie of the Year after making 56 receptions for 1,076 yards and 12 touchdowns; he credits his teammates for the honor.

Nov. 24, 1963 — A Ditka highlight that will be replayed for years to come. He runs over a half-dozen would-be tacklers on long run during 17-17 tie at Pittsburgh.

Dec. 29, 1963 — Bears win first NFL title since 1946 with 14-10 win over the Giants at Wrigley Field. Ditka makes three receptions for 38 yards.

Sept. 16, 1966 — A fan wanders onto field during Bears-Rams game in Los Angeles. Ditka takes umbrage and takes a flying hit, flattening said fan.

Feb. 7, 1967 — Ditka, 27, reveals he is obligated to play the following season for the Houston Oilers, the AFL team that drafted him No. 1: I’ve got a valid three-year contract with Houston. I won’t say how much, but they gave me a $50,000 bonus to play out my option with the Bears last season. I keep that, no matter what. It’s in the bank.

April 25, 1967 — Ditka tells media he is about to be traded due to clash with Halas. I evidently don’t play ball the way he expects his players to play, says Ditka. And I don’t act the way I should off the field. That adds up to a clash of personalities, doesn’t it?

April 26, 1967 — Bears trade Ditka to Philadelphia for 24-year-old quarterback Jack Concannon and draft choice. The Bears got (taken), Ditka says. Philly got me cheap. The Bears didn’t get enough for me. He finishes with 316 receptions for 4,503 yards and 34 touchdowns in his six years with the Bears.

Nov. 20, 1968 — Ditka and teammate Gary Ballman are reinstated by Eagles one day after being suspended for critical comments about tactics of GM/coach Joe Kuharich. The Eagles are 0-10, and Ditka has been benched two straight games.

Dec. 16, 1969 — Reduced to second-string tight end, Ditka says he won’t play again for the Eagles’ coach: I’m not Kuharich’s type of player. I respect him as a man, but as a coach, I don’t get along with him. He is traded to Dallas after season ends.

Jan. 12, 1971 — Dallas prepares to play Baltimore in Super Bowl. Ditka reveals he and Halas have buried the hatchet: I’m a great Bear fan and a George Halas fan now. I stopped by last winter and talked to the old man. We had a nice conversation, and at the end he stuck out his hand and said: ‘Life is too short to carry grudges.’

March 1, 1973 — Ditka, 33, retires as a player after 12 seasons and becomes Dallas receivers coach under Tom Landry.

Aug. 8, 1974 — Assistant coach Ditka fined $100 in municipal court after being convicted on a battery charge. Ditka was charged with slugging a bartender in Thousand Oaks, Calif.

Dec. 29, 1981 — Halas receives permission to interview Ditka for head-coaching position. In Dallas, preparing for a playoff game with Tampa Bay, Ditka says: Of course, everyone knows that for a long time, I’ve been interested in returning to the Bears. It’s my dream.

Dec. 30, 1981 — Bears defensive coordinator Buddy Ryan, offered a raise and contract extension by Halas, says he’ll be able work with Ditka if he becomes the new head coach: I’ve never met him, but I can work with anybody.

Jan. 19, 1982 — Ditka named as the Bears’ 10th head coach, replacing Neill Armstrong. I’m a realist, he says. I understand what the situation is. I understand it’s not gonna be the fair-haired son coming home and everything is going to be beautiful and the sun is going to rise and set on the city of Chicago and the Bears.

Aug. 30, 1982 — Ditka’s first (of many) TV commercials as Bears coach airs on WGN, pitching for The Protector Corp. (rustproofing) of Elmhurst.

Sept. 12, 1982 — Bears fall 17-10 to Lions in Ditka’s coaching debut in the Silverdome. What am I supposed to do? he says. Bar everybody and bring in a new line? They’re paid to block.

Jan. 2, 1983 — Ditka ends strike-shortened first season with a 3-6 record.

Sept. 25, 1983 — Ditka breaks right hand slamming it into a locker after 22-19 overtime loss at Baltimore. I wasn’t really mad when I did it, he says. Oh, I was mad from the game, but it was really just a silly thing.

Oct. 9, 1983 — Ditka yanks Jim McMahon out of game with Minnesota after an interception. Don’t second-guess me, Ditka snaps at his QB.

Oct. 13, 1983 — Ditka concedes he has to mellow out, after berating McMahon, FB Matt Suhey and rookie tackle Jimbo Covert on the sidelines during loss to Minnesota. I’ve got to relax, and I will. Oh yes, you’ll see the most relaxed guy you’ve ever seen. I can be positive about this. It has to do with what I feel inside.

Oct. 31, 1983 — George Halas dies, paving way for Michael McCaskey, 39, to become president of the Bears. Says Ditka of his new boss: I think it’s great. Mike is a bright, sharp young guy. His thoughts on winning are the same as mine and Jerry’s (GM Jerry Vainisi). Mike will make progressive changes, not changes for the sake of change.

Jan. 31, 1984 — Ditka undergoes three-hour hip operation.

July 23, 1984 — With Ditka to begin final year of three-year contract, McCaskey says he won’t offer a new one until ‘84 season is over, but he denies Ditka’s job is in jeopardy.

Sept. 30, 1984 — After 23-14 loss to Dallas, Ditka answers media questions with: No. Next question. Yes. Next question. No kidding? I didn’t know. So what?

Nov. 20, 1984 — Bears are 8-4 and playoff-bound, though Ditka is still without a contract extension. You’ve got to understand that I did not come here hired by the people who own the ballclub now, he says on his radio show. There’s probably a good chance I won’t be back next year. Life will go on. It will continue. No matter where I go, I’ll end up on my feet.

Nov. 25, 1984 — Bears’ 34-3 rout of Minnesota gives them Ditka’s first NFC Central title. He dedicates win to Halas: Somewhere, he is smiling good right now.

Dec. 30, 1984 — Bears’ defense helps give Ditka his first playoff victory with a shocking 23-19 upset of Joe Theismann and Washington at RFK Stadium, setting the stage for ‘85 championship season. Bears then lose to 49ers in NFC title game, and Ditka later gets contract extension.

Oct. 13, 1985 — Ditka sends 300-pound rookie defensive tackle William Refrigerator Perry in to play running back late in the Bears’ 26-10 win at San Francisco. Over-celebrating Bears’ 6-0 start, Ditka is arrested upon return and charged with driving under the influence.

Dec. 2, 1985 — Bears’ dreams of an unbeaten season ends after 12 straight victories as Miami wins 38-24 on Monday Night Football. Ditka and Ryan engage in heated sideline dispute over Ryan’s defensive calls.

Jan. 26, 1986 — Ditka carried off Superdome field on the shoulders of Perry and Steve McMichael after Bears’ record-setting 46-10 romp over New England in Super Bowl XX. Bears finish 18-1.

Aug. 11, 1986 — Ditka begins what turns into a summertime ritual for the Bears, proclaiming in Platteville, Wis., that the 323-pound Perry needs to lose weight.

Oct. 15, 1986 — After Bears acquire rights to QB Doug Flutie, disgruntled McMahon blasts move and dons red jersey with Flutie’s college number, 22. Ditka later invites Flutie to Thanksgiving dinner.

Jan. 3, 1987 — After a 14-2 regular season, Bears upset by Washington 27-13 at Soldier Field in their opening playoff game, with Flutie (11 of 31, two interceptions) at quarterback.

Dec. 6, 1987 — After Bears’ 30-24 comeback victory over Minnesota in the Metrodome, a celebratory Ditka dons a Viking hat in victorious locker room.

Dec. 14, 1987 — After 41-0 loss to 49ers in Candlestick Park, Ditka hurls a large wad of gum into stands, hitting a fan who later threatens a lawsuit against Ditka.

Jan. 10, 1988 — After an 11-4 regular season, Bears upset by Washington 21-17 at Soldier Field in their opening playoff game, with McMahon (three interceptions) at quarterback.

Nov. 2, 1988 — Ditka suffers mild heart attack and is sidelined for two games during 12-4 season. He’s later named NFL Coach of the Year for ‘88.

Dec. 31, 1988 — In much-hyped playoff matchup against former assistant coach Buddy Ryan, Ditka’s Bears beat Philadelphia 20-12 in game dubbed as the Fog Bowl at Soldier Field.

Jan. 8, 1989 — Bears lose 28-3 to Joe Montana and San Francisco in NFC title game at Soldier Field.

Jan. 13, 1991 — After erasing disastrous 1989 season (6-10) by going 11-5 and making playoffs, Bears lose 31-3 to Giants with Mike Tomczak (two interceptions) at quarterback.

Dec. 29, 1991 — Despite an 11-5 regular season, Bears lose 17-13 to Dallas at Soldier Field in first round of NFC playoffs with Jim Harbaugh (two interceptions) at quarterback.

Oct. 4, 1992 — Ditka erupts again on sideline in Minnesota, berating Harbaugh after he audibles and his pass is intercepted and returned for touchdown in Vikings’ comeback win. A turning point for Bears’ season and Ditka’s career in Chicago.

Nov. 15, 1992 — Upon losing a game at Tampa Bay, Ditka has to be restrained from going after