A former NFL coach passed away on Monday after being hospitalized since early March.
Dave McGinnis – affectionately known as “Coach Mac” – died at the age of 74 with his family by his side, the Titans announced.
McGinnis coached from 1986-2016, serving as a linebackers coach for the Bears, defensive coordinator and head coach for the Cardinals, linebackers coach for the Titans and as assistant head coach for the Rams organization during their time in St. Louis and Los Angeles.
He later returned to Tennessee in 2017 to work on the Titans’ radio broadcast, serving as a color commentator through the 2025 season.
“The lives he touched, and the number of people that cared about him, it’s amazing really,” former Titans head coach Jeff Fisher told the team’s website. “Mac treated people so well, and made everyone feel like they were important. Even in the hospital, people would stop by to see him, and he would ask about their families, their grandkids, even when he could barely speak. He made a big impact on so many people. Everyone loved Mac.”
McGinnis started his coaching career at TCU as a graduate assistant in 1973 and made stops at Missouri, Indiana State and Kansas State before entering the NFL coaching ranks more than a decade later in 1986 with the Bears.
He spent the next 10 years there before joining the Cardinals organization in 1996. He was 17-40 during his three-plus seasons as head coach.
“We were deeply saddened to learn of Dave McGinnis’ passing and extend our heartfelt condolences to all who knew and loved him,” Cardinals owner Michael Bidwill said in a statement. “As Dave often said, he was a ‘ballcoach’ through and through, and no one ever filled that role with more passion, enthusiasm, and charisma.
“Coach Mac truly loved the game and everything — and everyone — associated with it, especially his players. He was one of a kind and will be greatly missed.”
His time with the Titans began in 2004, and he remained there in Tennessee until 2011.
“My heart aches with the loss of Coach Mac, who was so much more than a coach and broadcaster – he was family,” Titans controlling owner Amy Adams Strunk said. “Coach Mac gave so much of himself to this organization over the years, and his passion, loyalty, and love for the Titans never wavered. He cared deeply about the people around him, and that kindness and authenticity left a lasting impact on everyone who knew him. He held a very special place in our family, and his presence in our lives and within this franchise will never be forgotten. We will miss him dearly, and we will always be grateful for the legacy he leaves behind.”
McGinnis’ time with the Rams ran from 2012 through 2016.
Among those McGinnis coached are a who’s who of recognizable players, including Mike Singletary, Wilber Marshall, Otis Wilson, Aeneas Williams, Emmitt Smith, Pat Tillman and Simeon Rice.