McGinnis graduated from Snyder High School in Snyder, Texas. He was a three-year starter as a defensive back at Texas Christian University, where he graduated in 1973 with a degree in business management. McGinnis spent 13 years coaching in college football, at Texas Christian University (1973–74, '82), Missouri (1975–77), Indiana State (1978, 1980–81) and Kansas State (1983–85).[1]
McGinnis was the assistant head coach/linebackers coach for the Tennessee Titans in 2004.
In 2017, he replaced Frank Wycheck as the color analyst on the Tennessee Titans Radio Network.[2] "Coach Mac," as he is often called, displays a knowledge and passion for the game of football during Sunday broadcasts and other media appearances throughout the year in his role with Titans Radio.[3]
Chicago Bears controversy
In 1999, while McGinnis was coaching for the Cardinals, he interviewed for the head coach position with the Chicago Bears. On Thursday, January 22, Bears team president Mike McCaskey prematurely organized a news conference to announce McGinnis as the 12th head coach of the Bears. The news came as a surprise to McGinnis, who had not reached terms on a contract. The Bears postponed the news conference and Bears chairman Ed McCaskey issued an apology to McGinnis. Upset that the news had reached his family, friends, Cardinals team owner Bill Bidwill and head coach Vince Tobin, McGinnis declined the position and removed his name from consideration.[4]
