The Tennessee Titans and the broader NFL community are mourning the loss of longtime coach and broadcaster Dave McGinnis, affectionately known as ‘Coach Mac,’ who died last week after an illness. He was 74.
McGinnis, a fixture in Nashville for more than two decades, built a legacy that extended far beyond football. Known for his deep knowledge of the game and his larger-than-life personality, he was equally respected for the relationships he formed with players, colleagues and fans.
“The lives he touched, and the number of people that cared about him, it’s amazing,” former Titans Head Coach Jeff Fisher said. “Mac treated people so well and made everyone feel important.”
A Texas native, McGinnis spent more than 30 years coaching in the NFL, including stints with the Chicago Bears, Arizona Cardinals, St. Louis/Los Angeles Rams and the Titans. He also served as head coach of the Cardinals and worked with several Hall of Fame players throughout his career.
He joined the Titans in 2004 as linebackers coach under Fisher and later became a familiar voice to fans as the team’s radio color analyst, a role he held from 2017 through the 2025 season.
“Coach Mac just loved the game,” said Titans President/CEO Burke Nihill. “But more importantly, he loved people. He had a way of making everyone feel like they mattered.”
McGinnis’ impact was felt across generations of players. Former Titans linebacker Keith Bulluck recalled his coaching style as both direct and encouraging, delivered with a distinct Texas charm that resonated in the locker room.
Off the field, McGinnis was known for his generosity and authenticity. Friends and colleagues described him as someone who never met a stranger and consistently went out of his way to uplift others—whether through mentorship, personal support or simple acts of kindness.
Even in his final weeks, McGinnis remained engaged with those around him, welcoming visitors, listening to messages from former players and continuing to talk about football.
His presence extended throughout the Nashville community, where he became a beloved figure not just within the Titans organization, but across the city.
“More than anything, I’ll remember his heart,” said Titans sideline reporter Amie Wells. “He made every interaction meaningful.”
McGinnis is survived by family, friends and a football community that spans the country. For many, his legacy will be defined not just by wins and accolades, but by the lasting impression he left on the people he encountered.
As one colleague put it, Coach Mac was “one of one”: a man whose passion for football was matched only by his commitment to others.
