Dave McGinnis, former Cardinals coach, dies at 74 in Tennessee

Dave McGinnis, a former NFL coach and broadcaster, has passed away at age 74. He was a coach for the Arizona Cardinals and a commentator for the Tennessee Titans.

Dave McGinnis, a figure whose presence loomed large over NFL sidelines and radio booths for decades, has died at the age of 74. The Tennessee Titans organization announced his passing on Monday, April 13, 2026. McGinnis, widely known as 'Coach Mac', carved a unique path through professional football, transitioning from coaching numerous teams to becoming a familiar voice as a color analyst for Titans games.

McGinnis’s coaching tenure included a stint as the head coach for the Arizona Cardinals, a role he held from 2000 to 2003. Prior to that, he served as the Cardinals' defensive coordinator. His extensive coaching career also saw him contribute to the Chicago Bears and the St. Louis/Los Angeles Rams, holding positions such as linebackers coach and assistant head coach.'

The scope of his impact is underscored by his work with eight Hall of Fame players, a testament to his influence on some of the game's greatest talents. He began his football journey in college, serving as a graduate assistant at TCU and Missouri in the early to mid-1970s, before moving into coaching roles at various universities.

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Upon retiring from active coaching, McGinnis lent his expertise to the airwaves, taking over the color commentator position for Titans Radio following in the footsteps of former player Frank Wycheck. His ability to dissect the game, honed over years of on-field experience, made him a respected voice for fans.

A native of Kansas, McGinnis's football roots extended back to his playing days at TCU. His career trajectory paints a picture of dedication, a commitment reflected not just in his coaching but also in his subsequent role as a broadcaster and mentor to countless individuals within the sport.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who was Dave McGinnis and why is he in the news?
Dave McGinnis, a former NFL coach and radio analyst for the Tennessee Titans, has died at the age of 74. The Titans announced his passing on Monday, April 13, 2026.
Q: What were Dave McGinnis's main coaching roles?
McGinnis was the head coach for the Arizona Cardinals from 2000 to 2003. He also held coaching positions with the Chicago Bears and the St. Louis/Los Angeles Rams.
Q: What was Dave McGinnis's role after coaching?
After retiring from coaching, McGinnis became a color analyst for Titans Radio, sharing his knowledge of the game with fans.
Q: How long was Dave McGinnis involved in football?
McGinnis had a long career in football, starting in college in the early 1970s, coaching in the NFL for decades, and then working as a broadcaster until his death.
Q: What is the significance of Dave McGinnis's coaching career?
His coaching career impacted many, as he worked with eight Hall of Fame players during his time in the NFL.