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Dave McGinnis, former head coach of the Arizona Cardinals and assistant coach of the Tennessee Titans, died on Monday. He was 74 years old.
The Titans announced the death of McGinnis, who died in early March after being hospitalized for the illness. He died at Ascension St. Thomas Midtown Hospital with his family at his side, a Titans news release said.
“My heart breaks over the loss of Coach Mack, who was more than a coach and broadcaster – he was family,” Titans owner Amy Adams Strunk said in a statement.
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Arizona Cardinals head coach Dave McGinnis watches from the sideline during a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, PA on November 9, 2003. The Steelers defeated the Cardinals 28–15. (George Gojkovich/Getty Images)
Cardinals owner Michael Bidwell also released a statement on McGinnis.
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.”
McGinnis found himself in an interim head coaching role during the 2000 season with the Cardinals, the team for which he had served as defensive coordinator in 1996. He was retained in the head coaching position from 2001–03.
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In 57 career games, McGinnis went 17–40 with the Cardinals, ultimately being fired in 2003 after a 4–12 season.
After being fired, McGinnis landed with the Titans as linebackers coach under head coach Jeff Fisher. He became a mainstay in Nashville, serving in that role and eventually being promoted to assistant head coach until 2011.
Arizona Cardinals coach Dave McGinnis walks the sideline against the Cleveland Browns at Cleveland Browns Stadium in Cleveland, Ohio on November 16, 2003. The Browns won the game 40–6. (Tom Pidgeon/Getty Images)
“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’s coaching career began in 1973 when he was an assistant at TCU. He also held positions at Indiana State, Missouri and Kansas State until the 1986 season, when he entered the NFL with the Chicago Bears.
McGinnis served as the linebackers coach for Chicago from 1986–95 before receiving a promotion with the Cardinals. He also held stints with the St. Louis/Los Angeles Rams before leaving to coach following the 2016 campaign.
McGinnis returned to Nashville in 2017 to join Titans Radio, where he served as color announcer for games.
Arizona Cardinals head coach Dave McGinnis stands on the sideline during a game against the Oakland Raiders at Network Associates Coliseum on December 2, 2001 in Oakland, California. (Jade Jacobsohn/Allsport)
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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.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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