Legendary Former USC, NFL Head Coach Died On Monday
11/11/2024 08:01 PM
John Robinson, who led USC to four Rose Bowl victories and a national championship and also had a lengthy stint in the NFL, passed away on Monday.
Robinson was 89. A native of Chicago, he died in Baton Rouge, La. following a bout with pneumonia, USC confirmed. Robinson is survived by his wife Beverly, four children, two stepchildren and 10 grandchildren. He last worked in football as a senior consultant to the LSU program under Ed Orgeron from 2019-21.
After a stint as an assistant coach at his alma mater Oregon from 1960-71, Robinson was USC's offensive coordinator from 1972-74. After working for the Oakland Raiders during the 1975 season, he was hired as USC's head coach, taking over for John McKay.
From 1976-82, Robinson went 67-14-2 for the Trojans, winning three Rose Bowls and the 1978 national championship. While there, he caught the eye of the Los Angeles Rams, who hired him prior to the 1983 season.
Robinson led the Rams to a 75-68 record from 1983-91, including six postseason appearances and two trips to the NFC Championship Game. In 1993, he was brought back to USC and spent five more seasons in charge of the Trojans, going 37-21-2 with another Rose Bowl win during the 1995 season.
A member of the College Football Hall of Fame, Robinson's final head coaching assignment came at UNLV, where he went 28-42 from 1999-2004, with the highlight being an 8-5 campaign and Las Vegas Bowl victory in 2000. Robinson also served as UNLV's athletic director during his final two seasons.
In 2010, Robinson emerged as the defensive coordinator at San Marcos High School in California for one season, the last full-time coaching gig he ever held.
A celebration of Robinson's life will be held following the conclusion of the college football season, in accordance with his wishes.
We would like to extend our condolences to Robinson's family and friends at this time.
May he rest in peace.
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