UCLA announces passing of former defensive coordinator Bill McGovern at 60

UCLA announced the death of former defensive coordinator Bill McGovern on Tuesday at the age of 60. His family revealed that McGovern had been battling cancer. He stepped away from his coordinating duties after the 2022 season but continued as Chip Kelly‘s director of football admin.

The release from the university shared that McGovern passed away on Tuesday morning surrounded by his family at his home in California.

McGovern began his coaching career after playing defensive back at Holy Cross. He went on to coach at his alma mater, as well as Penn, UMass, Boston College and Pittsburgh.

His 40 years in coaching also included multiple stints in the NFL. He coached linebackers for the Philadelphia Eagles (2013-15), the New York Giants (2016-19) and the Chicago Bears (2021). McGovern also spent a season as a defensive assistant at Nebraska.

McGovern is survived by his wife, Colleen, and daughters Amanda, Delainey and Mackenzie. According to the UCLA announcement, plans for his memorial services are pending.

McGovern family sends message to UCLA community

“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,” the family’s statement reads. “In particular, the McGovern family would like to thank UCLA head football coach Chip Kelly 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.”