Here’s the latest I can share based on recent reporting.
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Dave McGinnis, a longtime NFL coach and Bears assistant, passed away at 74 on April 12, 2026. The news was widely reported by Chicago outlets and national sports media, marking a notable moment for Bears history and fans who remember his time with the organization.[6][9]
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In the wake of his death, Chicago sports media reflected on his career and legacy, including recollections from former Bears colleagues and local radio/TV personalities. Tributes highlighted his impact as a coach and mentor within the Bears and Cardinals communities.[7][8]
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There has been renewed attention on McGinnis’ untold “what might have been” narrative with the Bears, given past hiring missteps that affected his standing in Chicago in 1999. Contemporary pieces revisit that episode to discuss how ownership decisions shaped his career arc.[3][9]
If you’d like, I can pull more detail from specific outlets (e.g., Chicago Tribune, Daily Herald, SI) or compile a brief timeline of McGinnis’ coaching career and key Bears moments.
Citations:
- Dave McGinnis death announcement and obituary coverage.[6]
- Chicago-area tributes and shows discussing his life and legacy.[8][7]
- Retrospective on his Bears hiring controversy and career trajectory.[9][3]
Sources
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Former Arizona Cardinals head coach and longtime NFL assistant Dave McGinnis, longtime known simply as “Coach Mac,” died Monday. He was 74. McGinnis, who had been in declining...
www.dailyherald.comIn the second hour, Mike Mulligan and David Haugh were joined by former Bears head coach Dave Wannstedt to reflect on the life and legacy of former Chicago assistant coach Dave McGinnis, who passed away at age 74. After that, Jim Margalus of Sox Machine joined the show to discuss talented White Sox left-hander Noah Schultz being set to make his MLB debut Tuesday evening. 104.3 The Score
www.audacy.comCounting your chickens before they hatch? Unfortunately, Bears fans can relate.
www.bleachernation.comThe current Titans radio color analyst's pursuit of a 'dream job' turned into a nightmare due to numerous missteps by the venerable franchise.
www.si.comThis time, the Chicago Bears made sure they had a deal before announcing their new coach.
www.latimes.comDave McGinnis dies at 74, the man who should have been the 12th Bears head coach if not for ownership botching his hiring.
www.si.com