John Robinson, Legendary Football Coach, Dies at 89
John Robinson, the acclaimed football coach who achieved success both in college and the NFL, has died at the age of 89. Robinson passed away on Monday in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, due to complications from pneumonia, as confirmed by USC. The loss of Robinson, who left an indelible mark on the sport, has been mourned across the football community.
Robinson enjoyed an illustrious career, most notably as the head coach of the USC Trojans and the Los Angeles Rams. At USC, he compiled an impressive 104-35-4 record, guiding the Trojans to five conference titles and four Rose Bowl victories. His coaching legacy includes the development of Heisman Trophy winners Charles White and Marcus Allen. Robinson’s Trojans won the 1978 national championship, and his relentless running game made USC a powerhouse.
Known for his personal touch and leadership, Robinson’s players praised his ability to connect with them on a deeper level. Ronnie Lott, a Hall of Fame safety who played under Robinson, described him as one of the greatest college coaches ever, noting Robinson’s commitment to shaping players’ lives beyond football.
In the NFL, Robinson became the winningest coach in Rams history, finishing his nine-year tenure with a 75-68 record. Under his leadership, the Rams reached the playoffs six times, advancing to two NFC Championship Games. His 1983 Rams team, led by running back Eric Dickerson, was one of the league’s most dynamic offenses.
After his NFL career, Robinson returned to USC for a second stint and later coached at UNLV, where he revitalized the program. He also served as a senior consultant at LSU from 2019 to 2021.
A native of Chicago and a standout player at Oregon, Robinson’s legacy extends beyond wins and losses. His commitment to the game and his players made him one of the most respected figures in football.
Robinson is survived by his wife, Beverly, four children, two stepchildren, and 10 grandchildren. A celebration of his life will be held later this year
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