The NFL community is mourning the loss of a beloved figure, as former Arizona Cardinals head coach and longtime assistant Dave McGinnis—affectionately known as "Coach Mac"—passed away Monday at the age of 74. According to the Tennessee Titans, McGinnis died in a Nashville hospital with his family by his side after a period of declining health.
For Titans fans, McGinnis had become a familiar and trusted voice, serving as the team's color commentator on game broadcasts since 2017 and a regular presence on team media. Titans controlling owner Amy Adams Strunk released a heartfelt statement, calling McGinnis "family" and praising his unwavering passion, loyalty, and kindness that left a lasting impact on the entire organization.
McGinnis's head coaching tenure came with the Arizona Cardinals from 2000 to 2003, where he compiled a 17-40 record. He had previously served as the team's defensive coordinator for nearly five seasons and was instrumental in the franchise's push for its current stadium. His final season in 2003, despite featuring a breakout year from Offensive Rookie of the Year Anquan Boldin, ended with a 4-12 record and his dismissal.
Cardinals owner Michael Bidwill remembered McGinnis as a "ball coach" through and through, filled with a unique passion and charisma for the game and his players.
McGinnis's NFL coaching journey began as a linebackers coach with the Chicago Bears in 1986, just a year after their iconic Super Bowl victory. He spent a decade in Chicago, developing a reputation as a respected defensive mind under coaches Mike Ditka and Dave Wannstedt. His career nearly took him to the Bears' top job in 1999, but a famously botched hiring announcement led him to withdraw his name from consideration.
After his time with the Cardinals, McGinnis found a lasting home in Tennessee, joining Jeff Fisher's staff as linebackers coach in 2004. His legacy is one of profound dedication, leaving behind a football family that stretches from Chicago to Arizona to Tennessee, all remembering a coach who was as authentic and caring as he was knowledgeable about the game.