Coach Mac's Legacy: Dave McGinnis, NFL Lifer Who Touched Cardinals and Titans Franchises, Dies at 74
The NFL lost one of its most passionate voices on Monday. Dave McGinnis, the former head coach of the Arizona Cardinals and long-time assistant with the Tennessee Titans, died at age 74. He had been hospitalized since early March due to illness, the Titans announced.
McGinnis, known affectionately around the league as "Coach Mac," was a ball coach in the truest sense. In four seasons leading the Cardinals from 2000 to 2003, he compiled a 17-40 record after earning the head coaching gig following nearly five seasons as the team's defensive coordinator. He also played a key role in helping push the Cardinals toward their current stadium before being let go after a rough 4-12 season in 2003, even as receiver Anquan Boldin broke out and took home AP Offensive Rookie of the Year honors.
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After leaving Arizona, McGinnis landed with the Tennessee Titans, where he made his real mark. Starting as linebackers coach under Jeff Fisher, McGinnis stayed in that role and eventually climbed to assistant head coach before stepping away in 2011. That decade-plus tenure meant something real to the organization.
Titans controlling owner Amy Adams Strunk captured what he meant to the franchise: "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."
How the Cardinals Remember Him
Arizona owner Michael Bidwill released his own statement about the loss. "As Dave often said, he was a 'ball coach' through and through, and no one ever filled that role with more passion, enthusiasm and charisma. Coach Mac truly loved the game and everything, and everyone, associated with it, especially his players. He was one of a kind and will be greatly missed."
The football world won't forget him anytime soon.
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