John McVay

John McVay (born 1931) is a former American football coach who rose through the coaching ranks from high school, through the college level, and to the NFL. Born in Bellaire, Ohio, he played college football at Miami University, starring as an offensive lineman.

McVay coached at several Ohio high schools, Michigan State University as an assistant coach and then head coach at the University of Dayton.

He became the pro football head coach of the World Football League Memphis Southmen in 1975, the WFL's last season. In 1976 he went to the NFL New York Giants as an assistant coach and replaced fellow Miami alumnus Bill Arnsparger as the head coach when Arnsparger was fired at mid-season. From 1976 to 1978, McVay struggled with a franchise in transition. His first NFL season included a roster with three rookie quarterbacks. His contract with the Giants was not renewed after the 1978 NFL season, most likely as the result of a famous loss to the Philadelphia Eagles on November 19, 1978.

McVay moved on to an administrative position with the San Francisco 49ers in 1980. He collaborated with head coach Bill Walsh in one of the most successful dynasties in NFL history. As vice president/director of football operations, he presided over five Super Bowl-winning seasons. He was named NFL Executive of the Year in 1989. He retired from the 49ers in 1996.