Bill McGovern, the former NFL assistant coach, dies from cancer at age 60

Bill McGovern, a former assistant coach for the Eagles, Giants and Bears and UCLA defensive coordinator, dies from cancer at age 60

  • Bill McGovern worked for a number of teams across a 39-year career in football
  • His death was announced by his family and UCLA in a joint statement 
  • DailyMail.com provides all the latest international sports news

Bill McGovern, who was an assistant coach for 39 years in the college ranks and in the NFL, has died. He was 60.

UCLA announced McGovern died on Tuesday due to cancer. The family informed the school of his death.

McGovern was the Bruins’ defensive coordinator last year but missed most of the second half of the season due to health issues. He remained on staff as director of football administration.

McGovern was an assistant mostly in college, including 13 seasons at Boston College (2000-12) where he was the linebackers coach and later defensive coordinator for four seasons. He also coached at Nebraska, Pittsburgh, Massachusetts, Holy Cross and Penn.

In the NFL, McGovern had stints with the Philadelphia Eagles, New York Giants and Chicago Bears.

The UCLA announced the death of former NFL coach Bill McGovern at the age of 60

McGovern also had a successful playing career at Holy Cross. He was a four-year starter at defensive back and set a NCAA Division I-AA record with 11 interceptions in 1984. His 24 career picks also tied a Division I-AA record. He is in Holy Cross’ Hall of Fame and is currently on the ballot as a candidate for the College Football Hall of Fame.

A statement from the McGovern family said: ‘Early this morning we said goodbye to our beloved father and husband Bill after his long and difficult battle with cancer came to an end and today, we would like to thank the entire UCLA community for all of the love and support you gave to Bill and our entire family during this very difficult struggle. 

‘In particular, the McGovern family would like to thank UCLA head football coach and his wife Jill as well as all of the players, coaches, trainers, and support staff of the UCLA football program and their families. 

‘It was the honor of Bill’s coaching career to be the defensive coordinator for the UCLA Bruins and this past season was one of the highlights of Bill’s coaching career. 

‘We are so thankful for the opportunity to be a part of such a historic athletic tradition and, more importantly, we could not have made it through this past year without the love and prayers of our UCLA family. 

‘The McGovern family is so grateful and thankful to all of you for your help during this difficult time and we will be indebted to you all forever. Thank you so much and we will cherish the wonderful memories we have of UCLA and our UCLA football family for the rest of our lives.’

McGovern is survived by his wife, Colleen, and three daughters Amanda, Delainey and Mackenzie. 

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