Bill McPherson, a defensive assistant on the 49ers’ five Super Bowl-winning teams, passed away Tuesday at age 88.
McPherson not only was a fixture with the 49ers organization from 1979 to 2005, but also in the San Jose and Santa Clara communities, where he was raised and forged his coaching career.
RIP Papa. I know it wasn’t an accident you chose St. Paddy’s Day to make your trip up to heaven. I hope you’re having “a pop” with all your friends up there and will continue to look after us and be part of all that we do. I love you so much. Thank you for being the best Papa.
pic.twitter.com/VOIZLWAGMh
— Talia
(@TaliaMalik) March 17, 2020
(@TaliaMalik) Inducted into the San Jose Sports Hall of Fame in 2006, McPherson attended Bellarmine Academy (class of 1950) and Santa Clara University (class of ’54). Those were his first two coaching stops before moving on to UCLA (1975-76) and the Philadelphia Eagles (1978). He joined the 49ers in 1979 on Bill Walsh’s first staff.
McPherson’s roles with the 49ers included coaching linebackers and the defensive line, serving as the defensive coordinator on their 1989 championship team and working in the personnel department before retiring in 2005.
The 49ers lost a beloved former coach & executive Tuesday with the passing of Bill McPherson. The Bay native spent close to 3 decades with the team & was part of all 5 Super Bowl Championships. We extend heartfelt condolences to the McPherson family & Coach Mac’s friends.
AP
— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) March 18, 2020
APFriends, family and the 49ers organization expressed their sympathies online about “Coach Mac.”
Former 49ers defensive lineman Bryant Young tweeted: “Coach Mac you will be missed. You were a great teacher of the game, inspired many, and loved your family and all well. Thank you Coach Mac!!!!”
Coach Mac you will be missed. You were a great teacher of the game, inspired many, and loved your family and all well. Thank you Coach Mac!!!! https://t.co/5HfJ7ktb6s
— Bryant Young (@Bgr8t) March 18, 2020
Jed York, the 49ers’ CEO, tweeted his condolences about “such a great man” and sent best wish to the McPherson family.
McPherson is survived by his wife, Ellie Jean (Elsie); children Michael, Claire, Joanne, Marianne and Patrick; 11 grandchildren and a great-grandchild.