Snyder, Texas
McGinnis graduated from Snyder High School in Snyder, Texas. He was a three-year starter as a defensive back at Texas Christian University, where he graduated in 1973 with a degree in business management. McGinnis spent 13 years coaching in college football, at Texas Christian University (1973–74, '82), Missouri (1975–77), Indiana State (1978, 1980–81) and Kansas State (1983–85).