From Ashes to Glory: Conflicts and Victories on and Beyond the Football Field

by Bill McCartney, David L. Diles

This revised version of From Ashes to Glory portrays the life of Bill McCartney, former football coach at the University of Colorado and the founder of Promise Keepers. A compelling look at his many personal and professional challenges, complete with 16 pages of photos.

Genres: Biography

264 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 1990

About the author

William Paul McCartney was an American college football coach who was the head coach of the Colorado Buffaloes for 13 seasons (1982–1994). He compiled a 93–55–5 (.624) record, and won three consecutive Big Eight Conference titles (1989–1991). McCartney's 1990 team was crowned as national champions by the Associated Press, splitting the title with Georgia Tech, who was first in the final Coaches' Poll.
McCartney was the founder of the Promise Keepers men's ministry. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame as a coach in 2013.

Reviews

[Jmlanier1 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is coach Bill McCartney’s emotional story from playing high school football to coaching the national champion Colorado Buffaloes. This is not just a book about football, but more of a book about a man’s commitment to God and his establishment of Promise Keepers, a national Christian men’s movement. Written in 1995, much has changed in the college football landscape, including NIL and the college football playoff. Sadly, Bill passed away in 2025.

[Matt Sparkman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Needed a better copy editor

[Adrienne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked it! Very open & honest about his personal & professional life.

[Xon · Rating 1 out of 5]

Painful.......... Much like a 52-7 loss with a littering ticket.

[Daniel]

...portrays the life of Bill McCartney, former football coach at the University of Colorado and the founder of Promise Keepers.

[Mark Trenier · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is a terrible book. It rambles from topic to topic like a teenager suffering from ADHD on a sugar high. Sorry I wasted $4.

[Rick · Rating 2 out of 5]

heard him speak, read his book. Coach is a man's man.

[Jose Luis Mendez · Rating 4 out of 5]

I relly liked it! Coach Mcarthy as a great football coach and a great human being. Love the story.