Dave McGinnis Dies at 74: Former Tennessee Titans Coach and NFL Veteran Remembered
Former Tennessee Titans assistant coach Dave McGinnis has died at 74 after an illness. The longtime NFL coach leaves behind a lasting legacy across four decades.
Former Tennessee Titans assistant coach Dave McGinnis has died at the age of 74, the team confirmed on Monday. McGinnis, affectionately known as “Coach Mac,” had been hospitalized since early March due to an illness.
In a heartfelt statement, Titans controlling owner Amy Adams Strunk paid tribute to McGinnis, describing him as more than a coach or broadcaster. “He was family,” she said, praising his unwavering passion, loyalty, and kindness that impacted everyone within the organization.
McGinnis enjoyed a distinguished NFL coaching career spanning four decades from 1986 to 2016. He held key roles with teams including the Chicago Bears, where he began his NFL journey, and later served as defensive coordinator and head coach of the Arizona Cardinals. He also contributed as assistant head coach for the Los Angeles Rams.
Throughout his career, McGinnis coached eight Hall of Fame players and mentored notable figures like Pat Tillman, whose legacy extended beyond football after joining the U.S. Army following the September 11 attacks.
Before entering the NFL, McGinnis began his coaching journey at Texas Christian University in 1973. After retiring from coaching, he returned to Nashville in 2017 as a radio color analyst for Titans games, continuing to influence the sport he loved.
Titans President and CEO Burke Nihill remembered McGinnis as a uniquely positive and inspiring figure. “He was created for football,” Nihill said, highlighting his ability to uplift others and make everyone feel valued.
According to the team, McGinnis received his last rites on Monday morning and passed away later that day surrounded by family.
Dave McGinnis leaves behind a remarkable legacy defined not only by football excellence but also by his deep commitment to people, making him one of the most respected figures in the NFL community.