John Robinson, a highly respected head coach for USC (1976-1982, 1993-1997) and the LA Rams (1983-1991), has died at the age of 89.
The Rams organization announced his passing on Monday, stating that Robinson succumbed 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
Throughout his illustrious coaching career at USC, Robinson never recorded a losing season. He guided the Trojans to five conference championships and four Rose Bowl victories, finishing with an overall record of 104-35-4 across his two terms as head coach.
Ronnie Lott, the All-American and Pro Football Hall of Fame safety, reflected on his former 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 shared. “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 formed a close friendship after meeting in fifth grade in Daly City, California.
Here is the CBS broadcast of Robinson’s NFL coaching debut in 1983 — a 16-6 #Rams win against the Giants.pic.twitter.com/KbsmGHHwM4
— Kevin Gallagher (@KevG163) November 12, 2024
During his time with the LA Rams, Robinson recorded a 75-68 record, leading the team to the playoffs in six out of his first seven seasons, winning four playoff games and reaching two NFC Championship Games. At the conclusion of his NFL coaching career, he held the record as the city’s all-time winningest coach, a title that now belongs to Sean McVay.
For those unfamiliar, Robinson was born in Chicago but grew up in the Bay Area, where he became close friends with football icon John Madden.
Robinson was an athlete at Oregon, playing tight end on their 1958 Rose Bowl championship squad, which marked the beginning of his coaching journey at his alma mater.
He then took the role of offensive coordinator under John McKay at USC in 1972, contributing to an unbeaten season in his first year. The team clinched national titles in 1972 and 1974, with Robinson orchestrating the offense.
Prior to returning to USC as head coach in 1976, Robinson spent time with Madden and the Oakland Raiders in 1975. From 1976 to 1982, he led USC to prominence in the Pac-8/Pac-10 conference, notably seeing the 1978 team awarded the UPI coaches’ poll title despite Alabama taking the AP title.
Here is a great memory of John Robinson celebrating alongside his players after a thrilling 27-25 win over Notre Dame in 1978 pic.twitter.com/WPT97KUd3h
— InsideUSC (@InsideUSC) November 12, 2024
Evaluating Robinson’s explosive offenses, notable running backs Charles White (1979) and Marcus Allen (1981) both captured the prestigious Heisman Trophy during their tenures at USC.
Additionally, Robinson coached several Hall of Famers including Lott, Anthony Muñoz, and Bruce Matthews. He also received heartfelt tributes from former NFL stars like Eric Dickerson, who praised his influence as a 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
In addition to his coaching roles, Robinson also led the UNLV program from 1999 to 2004 and served as a consultant for LSU’s national championship team in 2019.
He is survived by his wife, Beverly, along with four children, two stepchildren, and ten grandchildren.
Image Source: uscfb @ Instagram
