Coach Mac: A Football Legend's Final Farewell

On April 13, Dave McGinnis, the beloved Coach Mac, passed away Monday at age 74 after battling

an illness since early March.

The Nashville Titans icon spent decades in football, coaching linebackers and defenses

across the NFL with teams like the Bears, Cardinals, Titans, and Rams.

He wrapped up his playing days at Texas Christian University before jumping straight into

the coaching college ball, then hitting the pros in 19, 86 for 30 years total.

After retiring from the sideline, McGinnis stayed close to the game as Titans' radio color

analyst, starting in 2017, breaking down plays.

With his signature, Texas Flair, right up to the 2025 season, he joined the Titans staff

in 2004 under Jeff Fisher, coaching linebackers for eight years and building lifelong bonds

that turned him.

As a family kid, even called him Uncle Mac, friends, former players, and colleagues poured

into his Nashville hospital room these past weeks, sharing stories and voice messages

while he kept, smiling and talking football, despite weakening health.

Titans President Burke Nehill called him one of a kind, built for the football life, while

players like Keith Bullock remembered his honest, upbeat, coaching style that lifted everyone

without yelling.

Broadcasters praised his endless knowledge and generosity, from giving away furniture

to fans in need.

In his final days, McGinnis fought through intensive care and rehab, getting visits from coaches

like Fisher, and even a heartfelt call from X-Player.

Tim Shaw battling ALS.

He shared laughs, listened to draft talk, and stayed true to form to the end, passing with

family by his side after last rites.

Coach McLeese, a legacy of passion, friendship, and those unforgettable one liners that lit

up rooms and airwaves, all waves, he'll yes, he'll be missed, everywhere from national

practices to NFL hallways.