Dave McGinnis, the energetic and personable head coach of the Arizona Cardinals from 2000-2003, died Monday at the age of 74.
“Coach Mac” had been the Tennessee Titans radio analyst since 2017, after a 41-year coaching career in college and the NFL. But his time in Arizona, despite a 17-40 overall record, was marked with matter-of-fact analysis, homespun anecdotes in his Texas twang, and a love for his players that morphed often into hugs.
“We were deeply saddened to learn of Dave McGinnis’ passing and extend our heartfelt condolences to all who knew and loved him,” Cardinals owner Michael Bidwill said in a statement. “As Dave often said, he was a ‘ballcoach’ 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.”
McGinnis had been the Bears linebackers coach for a decade before he was brought in as the Cardinals defensive coordinator in 1996 when Vince Tobin was hired as head coach. When Tobin was fired seven games into the 2000 season, McGinnis took over on an interim basis and was officially given the job prior to the last game of the year.
