Mike Ditka

In 1997, Mike Ditka was named the twelfth head coach in New Orleans Saints' history, coming to New Orleans after a four-year stint as a broadcaster with NBC. Prior to that, he was head coach of the Chicago Bears for eleven seasons (1982-92). The Bears won the NFC Central Division five consecutive seasons (1984-88) and reached the playoffs seven times during his tenure. The 1985 Bears finished with a 15-1 record and won Super Bowl XX at the New Orleans Superdome when they defeated the New England Patriots 46-10. During that same season, he was named Coach of the Year by the Associated Press, The Sporting News and the Pro Football Writers Association.

Ditka began his National Football League (NFL) career in 1961 as Chicago's first-round selection, out of the University of Pittsburgh. He was named the NFL Rookie of the Year in 1961 and appeared in the Pro Bowl in all six seasons he was with the Bears (1961-1966). He played two years with Philadelphia and four years with the Dallas Cowboys before retiring following the 1972 season. He then began his pro coaching career as an assistant with the Dallas Cowboys (1973-81).

In 1988, Ditka became the 21st Chicago Bear inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He is one of only two individuals to have won a Super Bowl as a player, assistant coach and head coach. Ditka received his second Coach of the Year honors following the 1988 season in which he lead the Bears to a 12-4 record despite his mid-season heart-attack.

Ditka is a television veteran, having appeared in numerous commercials as well as guest spots on "L.A. Law" and "Saturday Night Live." In addition to his four years as a regular NBC sports commentator, he was a guest analyst for NBC's "Super Bowl Live" pre-game, half-time and post-game shows in 1993. He also appeared as a guest commentator during CBS' coverage of the NFC playoffs following the 1989 season.