Former Arizona Cardinals head coach Dave McGinnis has died at the age of 74.
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McGinnis, affectionately known as "Coach Mac," passed away on Monday at Ascension St. Thomas Midtown Hospital, surrounded by family.
A respected figure across the NFL, he built a long coaching career as both a head coach and assistant, leaving a lasting mark on multiple organizations.
His health had declined in recent years.
NFL Coach Dave McGinnis Dies After Long Illness
McGinnis took over as head coach of the Arizona Cardinals in 2000, holding the role until 2003 and compiling a 17-40 record. Before that, he served as the team's defensive coordinator from 1996 to 2000.
He also held key roles across the league, including linebackers coach with the Chicago Bears from 1986 to 1995 and the Tennessee Titans from 2004 to 2011.
Later, he worked as assistant head coach with the St. Louis and Los Angeles Rams between 2012 and 2016.
Beyond the NFL, McGinnis contributed to several college programs, including Texas Christian, Missouri, and Indiana State.
In the later stages of his career, he became a familiar voice to fans as the Tennessee Titans' color commentator, starting in 2017. He remained a constant and beloved presence around the organization.
"He was family," Controlling owner Amy Adams Strunk said. "Coach Mac gave so much of himself to this organization over the years, and his passion, loyalty and love for the Titans never wavered."
"He cared deeply about the people around him, and that kindness and authenticity left a lasting impact on everyone who knew him."
McGinnis had been hospitalized since early March as his condition worsened.
Tributes Pour In Across NFL Community
According to a Titans team release, McGinnis spent time in intensive care before briefly moving to a regular and then rehabilitation room. His condition later declined, forcing a return to intensive care.
On Monday morning, he received his last rites from a Catholic priest before passing away later that afternoon.
"The lives he touched, and the number of people that cared about him, it's amazing really," former Titans head coach Jeff Fisher said. "Mac treated people so well, and made everyone feel like they were important."
"He made a big impact on so many people. Everyone loved Mac."
In the days leading up to his death, former players, coaches, and friends visited him, while others sent recorded messages of support.
Throughout his career, McGinnis coached eight Hall of Fame players, highlighting the impact he had on the game.
