Former NFL Coach Dave McGinnis Passes Away at 74

Dave McGinnis, the former NFL coach known affectionately as “Coach Mac,” has died at the age of 74 after spending time in the hospital since early March. His passing was announced by the Titans, and he was surrounded by his family at the time.

McGinnis’ coaching career spanned from 1986 to 2016. He held various positions, including linebackers coach for the Bears, defensive coordinator and head coach for the Cardinals, linebackers coach for the Titans, and assistant head coach for the Rams in both St. Louis and Los Angeles.

In 2017, he returned to Tennessee, working as a color commentator for the Titans’ radio broadcasts until the end of the 2025 season.

Reflecting on McGinnis, former Titans head coach Jeff Fisher remarked, “The lives he touched and the amount of people who cared about him is just amazing. Mac treated people with great respect and made everyone feel important. Even when he could barely speak, he would ask about his family and grandchildren. He had a great impact on so many people. Everyone loved Mac.”

Starting his coaching journey as a graduate assistant at TCU in 1973, McGinnis also made stops at Missouri, Indiana, and Kansas before breaking into the NFL coaching scene with the Bears in 1986. He spent a decade there before moving to the Cardinals in 1996, where he recorded a 17-40 record as head coach over three seasons.

Cardinals owner Michael Bidwill expressed deep sorrow, stating, “We are deeply saddened to learn of Dave McGinnis’ passing and extend our sympathies to everyone who knew and loved him. As Dave used to say, he was a ‘ball coach’ through and through, and no one played that role with more passion, enthusiasm, and charisma. He truly loved the game and everyone involved, especially the players.”

McGinnis’ time with the Titans began in 2004 and lasted until 2011. “We are heartbroken to lose Coach Mack,” said Titans controlling owner Amy Adams Slank. “He was more than a coach; he was family. His passion, loyalty, and love for the Titans never wavered, and his kindness made a lasting impact on everyone who knew him.”

McGinnis also coached notable players like Mike Singletary, Wilbur Marshall, Otis Wilson, Aeneas Williams, Emmitt Smith, Pat Tillman, and Simeon Rice during his extensive career.