The NFL community is in mourning following the death of former Arizona Cardinals head coach Dave McGinnis, who passed away on Monday at the age of 74.
Known throughout the league as ‘Coach Mac,’ McGinnis died in a Nashville hospital surrounded by his family following a period of illness.
The Tennessee Titans, where McGinnis spent a large portion of his career as both a coach and a radio analyst, confirmed the news in a statement on Monday evening.
‘We extend our deepest condolences to the family of Dave ‘Coach Mac’ McGinnis, who passed away Monday afternoon in Nashville with family at his side,’ the Titans official statement read.
McGinnis was a beloved figure whose coaching career spanned over four decades, including a memorable stint as the head coach of the Cardinals from 2000 to 2003.
He arrived in Arizona in 1996 as the team’s defensive coordinator, where he earned a reputation for building resilient units before being promoted to the top job.
Former Arizona Cardinals head coach Dave McGinnis passed away on Monday at the age of 74
The Tennessee Titans, where McGinnis spent a large portion of his career as both a coach and a radio analyst, confirmed the news in a statement on Monday evening
Before his time in Arizona, he spent ten seasons as the linebackers coach for the Chicago Bears under Mike Ditka and Dave Wannstedt, helping maintain the franchise’s defensive excellence.
His journey in the NFL continued with the Titans, where he served as a linebackers coach from 2004 to 2011 before following Jeff Fisher to the St. Louis Rams.
In recent years, McGinnis transitioned seamlessly into the media world, serving as the color analyst for the Titans Radio Network since 2017.
Meanwhile, Cardinals owner Michael Bidwill offered the following statement on McGinnis’ passing: ‘We were deeply saddened to learn of Dave McGinnis’ passing and extend our heartfelt condolences to all who knew and loved him.
‘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.’
