The Tennessee Titans family and the wider NFL community are mourning the loss of Dave "Coach Mac" McGinnis, who passed away on April 13 at the age of 74. A beloved figure known for his passion and charisma, McGinnis's career left a lasting mark on multiple franchises.
McGinnis was most recently the voice of the Titans, serving as the team's radio analyst from 2017 through the 2025 season. His deep connection to the organization was built over years, first as linebackers coach from 2004 to 2011. He later rejoined former Titans head coach Jeff Fisher with the St. Louis/Los Angeles Rams, serving as assistant head coach before returning to the Tennessee broadcast booth.
His impact, however, stretched far beyond Nashville. McGinnis's coaching journey was defined by resilience and dedication. He first gained prominence as the Chicago Bears' linebackers coach for a decade, a role that set the stage for his move to the Arizona Cardinals as defensive coordinator in 1996.
His big break came in 2001 when he was promoted from defensive coordinator to interim head coach for the Cardinals mid-season. He held the head coaching role for three more years, compiling a 17-40 record while earning a reputation as a players' coach who brought relentless energy to the role. In a notable twist of NFL history, he was even announced as the Chicago Bears' head coach in 1999, though a contract was never finalized, and he remained with Arizona.
Tributes have poured in from all corners of the league, highlighting the man behind the coach. "Everyone loved Mac," said former Titans coach Jeff Fisher. "He treated people so well, and made everyone feel like they were important." Arizona Cardinals owner Michael Bidwill remembered him as "a 'ballcoach' through and through," filled with passion and charisma.
A three-year starter at defensive back for TCU, McGinnis's life in football spanned from the field to the sidelines to the broadcast booth. He will be remembered not just for his X's and O's, but for the profound personal connections he forged throughout his five decades in the game.