Former college and NFL defensive coach Bill McGovern is dead at 60, per an announcement from UCLA.
McGovern, who worked as the university’s defensive coordinator last season, passed away as a result of cancer.
“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,” Bill’s family said in a statement published by UCLA. “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.”
McGovern was an All-American defensive back at Holy Cross in the 1980s and would go on to work both in the NFL and college. He was hired as a DC by Bruins’ head coach Chip Kelly last February but took up an administrative role with the program because of his declining health this year, with D’Anton Lynn coming in to replace him.
“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,” the statement from Bill’s family continues.
“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.”
McGovern spent nine years working in the NFL and, before joining the Bruins, worked as a linebackers coach for the Chicago Bears. He also filled the role for the Philadelphia Eagles from 2013-2015 and the New York Giants from 2016-2019.
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At the NCAA level, he had various defensive coaching roles at Holy Cross, UMass, Boston College, Pittsburgh, and Nebraska.
We at TotalProSports extend sympathies to Bill’s family, friends, and loved ones.
R.I.P Bill McGovern – 1962-2023
