John Robinson, who was a well-accomplished head coach for USC (1976-1982, 1993 to 1997) and the LA Rams (1983-1991), has passed away at 89 years old.
Videos by FanBuzz
The Rams organization confirmed his death on Monday, as a press release noted that Robinson died due to complications from pneumonia.
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 all who he impacted throughout his storied career. pic.twitter.com/OLh1NaK262
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) November 12, 2024
In view of the veteran coach's resume, he never had a losing record throughout his collegiate career at USC. Furthermore, he led the Trojans to five conference titles along with four Rose Bowl victories and had an all-time 104-35-4 record during his two tenures.
All-American and NFL Hall of Fame safety Ronnie Lott spoke on his former head coach at USC.
"Coach Robinson was one of the greatest college coaches ever, and his love for USC and his love for the game of football was second to none," Lott said. "I've always felt that while playing for him, he gave us the ability to feel like we were larger than life. And his commitment to making sure that we had more than just football in our lives was so superior."
RIP John Robinson 🙏🏻
He and John Madden were best friends since they first met in the fifth grade in Daly City, California.
Here is the CBS open to Robinson's NFL regular season coaching debut in 1983 — a 16-6 #Rams victory over the Giants.pic.twitter.com/KbsmGHHwM4
— Kevin Gallagher (@KevG163) November 12, 2024
Then in Robinson's transition to coaching in the NFL as LA Rams head coach, he had a 75-68 record, reaching the playoffs in six of his first seven seasons, in addition to winning four playoff games and advancing to two NFC Championship Games. At the time of the end of his NFL tenure, he was the winningest coach in franchise history, a record that now belongs to current coach Sean McVay.
For those who don't know, Robinson was born in Chicago, but grew up in the Bay Area, where he befriended football legend John Madden.
Robinson went on to play tight end for Oregon's 1958 Rose Bowl championship team, which is where he also begin his coaching career at his alma mater.
Then he became offensive coordinator for John McKay's USC team in 1972, and helped contribute to an unbeaten season in his first year. Notably, the team won the 1972 and 1974 national titles with Robinson running the offense.
Robinson joined Madden and the Oakland Raiders in 1975, but ultimately returned to USC in 1976, this time as the head coach. From 1976 to 1982, USC dominated the Pac-8/Pac-10 conference. To point out, the 1978 team was accredited with the 1978 title in the UPI coaches' poll, but Alabama under Bear Bryant won the AP title.
Here is a good photo to remember John Robinson. Celebrating with his players after 27-25 victory over Notre Dame in 1978 pic.twitter.com/WPT97KUd3h
— InsideUSC (@InsideUSC) November 12, 2024
When looking at Robinson's run dominant offenses, running backs Charles White (1979) and Marcus Allen (1981) each won a Heisman trophy during their careers at USC.
Not to mention, Robinson also coached Pro Football Hall of Famers: Lott, Anthony Muñoz and Bruce Matthews. In addition, notable NFL stars such as Eric Dickerson, who played under Robinson, gave a tribute to his one-time coach.
Rest in peace to my first NFL coach John Robinson 🕊️ He had enough faith in his rookie running back from Sealy that he built an offense around him, I'll forever be grateful for him jumpstarting my career. John was a great coach and will be dearly missed 🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/NQPX7n7hE7
— Eric Dickerson (@EricDickerson) November 12, 2024
Robinson also coached at UNLV (1999-2004) and served as a consultant for the 2019 LSU national championship team.
Ultimately, Robinson is survived by his wife, Beverly, and four children, two stepchildren, and 10 grandchildren.
Related: Bear Bryant's Death Over 40 Years Ago Had An Extremely Strange Coincidence
