Legendary NFL and college football coach John Robinson dies aged 89
John Robinson, one of Southern California’s most successful and famous football coaches, has died at the age of 89.
He died Monday in Baton Rouge of complications from pneumonia.
Robinson coached both USC and the Los Angeles Rams during his illustrious career.
The Rams said in a statement: “We are heartbroken to share that former Los Angeles Rams head coach John Robinson passed away earlier today.
“Our thoughts are with Coach Robinson’s family and friends, and everyone he influenced during his legendary career.”
John Robinson, one of Southern California’s most successful football coaches, has died
Robinson compiled a 104-35-4 record over two separate tenures as head football coach at USC and won a national championship with the Trojans in 1978.
The 104 wins put him third in all-time wins at the school behind John McKay and Howard Jones.
Robinson never had a losing season at USC in 12 seasons. His first team, in 1976, went 11-1 and won the Rose Bowl, finishing No. 2 in the AP poll.
After a dip to 8-4 in 1977, Robinson put together a two-year run of 23-1-1 in 1978-79, winning two more Rose Bowls and a national championship as indicated by the 1978 coaches’ poll.
He coached another three seasons during that first tenure, producing such notable NFL stars as Marcus Allen, Ricky Bell, Charles White, Clay Matthews and Joey Browner. Allen and White both won the Heisman Trophy while playing for Robinson.
In 1983, Robinson took over the reins of the Los Angeles Rams and advanced to the NFC Championship Game twice during his tenure there (1983-1991), with a score of 75-68.
Robinson compiled a 104-35-4 record at USC and won a national championship in 1978
In 1983, Robinson took over for the Rams and advanced to the NFC Championship Game twice
The Trojans re-hired Robinson for the 1993 season. Although his second stint at USC did not produce the same highlights, he had three more bowl victories in five seasons, including victories in the Cotton Bowl and Rose Bowl.
His head coaching career ended in Las Vegas at UNLV, where he went 28-42 over six years.
He also became an advisor at LSU and was on hand for the Tigers’ national title in 2019.
Overall, Robinson finished with an 8-1 record in bowl games during 18 seasons as head coach.