Mike Ditka, the legendary former Chicago Bears coach and the first tight end inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, has died at 86. His family announced his death Friday.

“It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, Mike Ditka,” his family said in a statement. The family described him as the heart of their family and said, “Mike will be missed beyond measure and remembered forever.”

Ditka rose to national prominence by leading the 1985 Bears to the franchise’s only Super Bowl championship. That team featured what was described as arguably the greatest defense in NFL history.

Known for his fiery temper, Ditka clashed with members of the 1985 team, including quarterback Jim McMahon and defensive coordinator Buddy Ryan. Chicago nevertheless cruised to a 15-1 regular season record before defeating the New England Patriots 46-10 in Super Bowl XX.

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Bears founder George Halas, who had coached Ditka, hired him in 1982. Across 11 seasons under Ditka, Chicago reached the playoffs seven times and advanced to the NFC Championship Game on three occasions.

The Bears fired Ditka after the 1992 season, but he returned to coaching with the Saints in 1997. He went 15-33 over three seasons in New Orleans and could not replicate the success he achieved in Chicago.

His New Orleans tenure was best remembered for the trade that brought running back Ricky Williams to the Saints. New Orleans sent eight draft picks, including two selections in the first round, to Washington for the right to move up and select Williams fifth overall in 1999.

Ditka and Williams appeared together on a 1999 ESPN The Magazine cover symbolizing their football marriage. Ditka wore a tuxedo, while Williams appeared in a wedding gown.

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Before his coaching career, Ditka established himself as a groundbreaking tight end. The Bears selected him fifth overall in the 1961 NFL draft, and he won Rookie of the Year after becoming the first tight end to surpass 1,000 receiving yards.

Ditka played six years for the Bears, two for the Philadelphia Eagles and four for the Dallas Cowboys. He was part of Chicago’s 1963 NFL championship team and the Dallas team that won Super Bowl VI.

In 1988, Ditka became the first tight end enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The Bears retired his No. 89 in 2013 and said it would be the final number retired by the organization.

Hall of Fame president and CEO Jim Porter said Ditka brought an unrivaled level of toughness to an era defined by physicality. Porter also praised his ability as a pass catcher, blocker and coach, along with his competitiveness, personality and leadership.

A native of Aliquippa, Pennsylvania, Ditka was born Oct. 18, 1939. He competed in football, basketball and baseball at Pitt before pursuing professional football.

As a tight end, Ditka led Pitt in receiving during each of his three varsity seasons from 1958-60. He was a unanimous All-America selection in 1960 and entered the College Football Hall of Fame in 1986.

Ditka and Baltimore’s John Mackey changed the tight end position and offensive schemes. Ditka could function as a battering ram while blocking, catch a short pass and run through a secondary, or outrun a lone safety on a deep touchdown throw.

Following his playing career, Ditka spent nine seasons as an assistant coach under Tom Landry in Dallas. Halas later selected him to replace Neill Armstrong following the 1981 season.

Ditka remained highly marketable after his short tenure in New Orleans. He became a Chicago icon, opened several restaurants and endorsed products including wine, cigars and sausages.

He also appeared in television commercials, several television shows and the 2005 Will Ferrell comedy “Kicking and Screaming.” “Saturday Night Live” honored Ditka and “Da Bears” through its recurring “Bill Swerski’s Superfans” skit.

After coaching, Ditka worked as an analyst at NBC and ESPN. He was part of ESPN’s “Sunday Morning Countdown” from 2006 through 2015.

Ditka suffered two heart attacks, including one in 1988 while coaching the Bears, and had a minor stroke in 2012. His career encompassed championships as a player and coach, Hall of Fame recognition and an enduring place in Chicago.

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