Former Cardinals head coach, Titans assistant McGinnis dies

Nashville, Tennessee – Former Tennessee assistant coach Dave McGinnis, who also served as head coach for the Tennessee Titans. Arizona Cardinals died Monday at age 74, after a decorated career on the NFL sidelines titans Announced.

McGinnis, known affectionately in league circles as “Coach Mac”, had been hospitalized with an illness since early March.

“My heart breaks over the loss of Coach Mack, who was more than a coach and broadcaster – he was family,” said Titans controlling owner Amy Adams Strunk.

McGinnis went 17–40 for the Cardinals from 2000 to 2003 and earned the head coaching job after nearly five seasons as defensive coordinator. He also helped the Cardinals move into their current stadium before being fired in 2003 after a 4-12 record. The dismissal came despite a breakout season from receiver Anquan Boldin, who was named the AP’s Offensive Rookie of the Year.

Arizona owner Michael Bidwell said in a statement that the Cardinals were deeply saddened to hear of McGinnis’ death.

Bidwell said, “As Dave often used to say, he was a ‘ball coach’ all the time and no one has filled that role with more passion, enthusiasm and charisma.” “Coach Mack truly loved the game and everything associated with it – and everyone – especially his players. He was a one-of-a-kind guy and will be greatly missed.”

After leaving the Cardinals in 2003, McGinnis was hired as the linebackers coach for the Titans under coach Jeff Fisher. McGinnis remained in that role – eventually being promoted to assistant head coach – until 2011.

“Coach Mack gave so much of himself to this organization over the years and his passion, loyalty and love for the Titans has never waned,” Strunk said. “He cared deeply for those around him, and that kindness and authenticity left a lasting impression 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 greatly, and we will always be grateful for the legacy he leaves.”

McGinnis coached in the NFL from 1986 to 2016. Chicago Bears and St. Louis/Los Angeles Rams.

During his NFL career, McGinnis coached eight Hall of Fame players. While with the Cardinals, McGinnis coached former safety Pat Tillman, who retired from playing football to enlist in the United States Army Special Operations in 2002 after the September 11 attacks. Tillman died in Afghanistan in 2004.

McGinnis, who began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at TCU in 1973, returned to Nashville in 2017 to join Titans Radio. He was also the color analyst for Titans games.

McGinnis’s influence was felt by former and current players in Nashville. It was not unusual for players to seek coaching from McGinnis. He was also a valuable resource to the coaching staff and was connected to many people within the Titans organization.

Titans President and CEO Burke Nihill said, “I love Dave McGinnis, and I don’t know that I’ve met anyone who is more made for football and the football life than Coach Mack.” “He just loved the game. Obviously, he played it for a long time and coached it for a long time, and everything he did for us over the years as a color commentator and Titans personality. He lived a special football life. He was a special guy.

“More than just his love of the game, I just appreciated being around that guy because he was always so positive, so optimistic, and he always made everybody feel better about themselves. He’s been around my family, he’s been around our fans and our partners, and he’s always made you feel like you’re the most important person in the world.”

According to a Titans news release, McGinnis was given last rites by a Catholic priest on Monday morning. He died in the afternoon at Ascension St. Thomas Midtown Hospital, with his family by his side.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.