Former Arizona Cardinals coach Dave McGuinness has died at the age of 74 after an illness

The Giants announced the death of McGuinness, who died after being hospitalized with the illness in early March. He died at Ascension St. Louis Hospital, the Titans’ team press release said. Thomas Midtown with his family by his side.

“My heart hurts for the loss of Coach Mack, who was more than just a coach and broadcaster – he was family.” Owner of Titans Amy Adams Strunk said in a statement.

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Head coach Dave McGinnis of the Arizona Cardinals watches from the sideline during a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on November 9, 2003. The Steelers defeated the Cardinals, 28-15. (George Gojkovic/Getty Images)

Cardinals owner Michael Bidwill also issued a statement regarding McGinnis.

“As Dave has often said, he was a football coach in every sense of the word, and no one has filled that role with so much passion, enthusiasm and charisma,” Bidwill said. “Coach Mack 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.”

McGuinness found himself in an interim head coaching position during the 2000 season with the Cardinals, the team for which he 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, and was eventually fired after a 4-12 season in 2003.

After being fired, McGinnis landed with the Giants as linebackers coach under head coach Jeff Fisher. He would become a mainstay in Nashville, filling that role and eventually being promoted to assistant head coach until 2011.

Coach Dave McGuinness of the Arizona Cardinals walks down the sideline against the Cleveland Browns at Cleveland Browns Stadium in Cleveland, Ohio, on November 16, 2003. The Browns won the game by a score of 40-6. (Tom Pidgeon/Getty Images)

“Coach Mack has given so much of himself to this organization over the years, and his passion, loyalty and love for the Titans has never wavered,” Strunk added. “He cared deeply for the people around him, and that kindness and genuineness left a lasting impact on everyone who knew him. He held a very special place in our family, and we will never forget his presence in our lives and within that privilege. We will miss him greatly, and will always be grateful for the legacy he leaves behind.”

McGinnis’ coaching career began in 1973 when he was an assistant at TCU. He also held positions with Indiana, Missouri and Kansas State until the 1986 season when he broke into the NFL with the Chicago Bears.

McGuinness served as Chicago’s running backs coach from 1986-95 before earning a promotion with the Cardinals. He also held roles with the St. Louis/Los Angeles Rams before leaving as coach after the 2016 campaign.

McGuinness returned to Nashville to join Titans Radio in 2017, where he served as color announcer for the games.

Arizona Cardinals coach Dave McGinnis stands on the bench during a game against the Oakland Raiders at Network Associates Stadium in Oakland, California, on December 2, 2001. (Jed Jacobson/AllSport)

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“I love Dave McGinnis, and I don’t know that I’ve ever met anyone more created for football and the football life than Coach Mac,” said Burke Nihill, Titans president and CEO. “He loved the game. Obviously, he played it a long time and coached a long time even longer, and with everything he did for us over the years as a color commentator and a Titans personality. He lived a special football life. He was a special guy.”

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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