Giants assistant coach Bill McGovern has died after a battle with cancer.
he was 60 years old.
McGovern has been UCLA’s director of football administration since February after serving as defensive coordinator under manager Chip Kelly last season, a role he held only half for health reasons.
The university announced his death Tuesday morning.
After playing at Holy Cross College, he spent nearly 40 years as a coach in the NFL and college football.
McGovern was with the Giants as an assistant from 2016-19.
He coached the linebackers for his first two seasons and then took over as the Giants’ inside linebacker in 2019.
“Early this morning, we said goodbye to our beloved father and husband, Bill, who ended his long and difficult battle with cancer. “We would like to thank the entire UCLA community for the love and support of the family that has sacrificed our entire family in this extremely difficult struggle,” the McGovern family said in a statement.
“In particular, the McGovern family would like to thank UCLA football head coach Chip Kelly and his wife Jill, and all the players, coaches, trainers, support staff and families of the UCLA football program.
“Serving as defensive coordinator for the UCLA Bruins has been an honor for Bill’s coaching career and this past season was one of the highlights of Bill’s coaching career. I am so grateful for the opportunity to be a part of such a great sporting tradition, and most importantly, I could not have gotten through this past year without the love and prayers of the UCLA family. .
“The McGovern family is truly grateful to all of you for helping us through this difficult time and will be forever grateful to all of you. I will continue to
During his professional career, McGovern had a number of successful defensive units with the Philadelphia Eagles from 2013-2015, then the Giants, and in 2021 with the Chicago Bears.
He has also worked as a coach at the University of Pittsburgh, Holy Cross College, UCLA, Boston College, Massachusetts University, Nebraska University, and the University of Pennsylvania.
‘A great coach and an even better person’ Giants tweeted.
“It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Coach Bill McGovern and our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Coach McGovern.” UCLA football wrote.
During his playing career as a defensive back, he set the NCAA Division I-AA record with 11 interceptions against Holy Cross in 1984, tying the division I-AA record with 24 career interceptions.
McGovern is a member of the school’s Hall of Fame and is currently on the ballot as a candidate for the College Football Hall of Fame.
