Remembering Dave McGinnis
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Former Tennessee Titans assistant coach Dave McGinnis, who had a celebrated career including a stint as head coach of the Arizona Cardinals, passed away at the age of 74 on Monday, as announced by the Titans.
Known fondly in the league as “Coach Mac,” McGinnis had been hospitalized due to an illness since early March.
“My heart aches with the loss of Coach Mac, who was so much more than a coach and broadcaster — he was family,” said Titans controlling owner Amy Adams Strunk.
McGinnis compiled a 17-40 record as the Cardinals’ head coach from 2000 to 2003, having earned the role after nearly five years as the defensive coordinator. He was instrumental in the push for the Cardinals’ current stadium but was let go after a disappointing 4-12 season in 2003, despite Anquan Boldin’s breakout as the AP Offensive Rookie of the Year.
Arizona owner Michael Bidwell expressed his sorrow at McGinnis’ passing: “Coach Mac truly loved the game and everyone associated with it, especially his players. He was one of a kind and will be greatly missed.”
In 2003, McGinnis joined the Titans as the linebackers coach under Jeff Fisher, where he later rose to the position of assistant head coach, serving until 2011. “He gave so much of himself to this organization, and his kindness and authenticity left a lasting impact on everyone,” Strunk remarked.
Spanning a coaching career from 1986 to 2016, McGinnis also worked with the Chicago Bears and the St. Louis Rams. He coached eight Hall of Fame players, including former safety Pat Tillman who enlisted in the Army in 2002 after the 9/11 attacks and tragically died in Afghanistan in 2004.
McGinnis returned to Nashville in 2017, becoming a color analyst for Titans Radio. His influence extended beyond the field, as players often sought his guidance. “He just loved the game,” said Burke Nihill, Titans president and CEO, reflecting on McGinnis’ vibrant spirit and the positivity he shared with everyone around him.
According to the Titans’ announcement, McGinnis passed away in the afternoon with his family by his side at Ascension St. Thomas Midtown Hospital, shortly after receiving last rites from a Catholic priest.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
