DITKA An Autobiography

The coach of the Chicago Bears describes their championship season, recounts his career as a player, and explains his philosophy of coaching

Football fans will love this inside look at the sport by the coach of the Super Bowl champion Chicago Bears, written with the Chicago Tribune staffer who covers the team. This is the account of a steelworker's son who quit college for pro football and played for Chicago, which he loved, Philadelphia, which he hated, and Dallas, which he liked. Cowboys coach Landry gave Ditka his first coaching job and George Halas signed him as the Bears' head man. In addition to providing details of his career, Ditka ponders at length about his philosophy of football, a sport which for him involves 100% dedication, a belief in the importance of teamwork and an unconcern with popularity. He also makes interesting observations about Landry (at variance with the public image) and about Bears stars Jim McMahon, "Refrigerator" Perry and Walter Payton. Photos. 35,000 first printing; $35,000 ad/promo; author tour.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.

The hard-driving coach who drove his 1985 Chicago Bears to the Super Bowl title brought a background of rough, all-out play into his leadership. With the help of Pierson, Ditka goes back to boyhood in a Pennsylvania steel town to show his development. His playing experience and lessons from George Halas and Tom Landry lead into his own coaching philosophy. Ditka adds his opinions on associatesespecially rapping Buddy Ryan, his former defensive coachalong with reflections on his own marital life and drinking problem and others' drug use. Good for most public libraries, especially around Chicago. Morey Berger, Monmouth Cty. Lib., Freehold, N.J.
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc.