Former Arizona Cardinals head coach Dave McGinnis passes away

Arizona Cardinals' head coach Dave McGinnis (C) and offensive coordinator Rich Olson (R) talk with quarterback Jake Plummer, during the second quarter of their game against the Washington Redskins, 09 December, 2001 in Tempe, Arizona. AFP Photo/ROY DABNER (Photo by ROY DABNER / AFP) (Photo by ROY DABNER/AFP via Getty Images) | AFP via Getty Images

It was announced today that former Arizona Cardinals head coach Dave McGinnis has passed away.

From AZCardianls.com:

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 started his NFL career in 1086 with the Chicago Bears where he would be a linebackers coach from 86-1995 before joining the Arizona Cardinals as a defensive coordinator.

He was the Cardinals defensive coordinator for their first playoff appearance and win while in Arizona, and eventually replaced Vince Tobin, who was fired mid-season, as the head coach. He would go on to coach three additional seasons, finishing 17-40 as the teams head coach.

Our thoughts and prayers are with McGinnis' family in this time.