John Robinson, one of the most celebrated football coaches in Southern California, has passed away at the age of 89. He died on Monday in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, due to complications related to pneumonia.
Robinson had an illustrious coaching career, notably at the University of Southern California (USC) and with the Los Angeles Rams. His contributions to both college and professional football have left a lasting legacy. The Rams confirmed his passing, and USC released a statement acknowledging his significant impact on the sport.
Robinson is remembered as one of the few coaches who found success in both college and the NFL. He recorded an impressive 104 wins, 35 losses, and 4 ties during his time at USC, alongside a 75-68 record with the Rams. His teams consistently competed for championships and secured numerous postseason victories. Notably, he achieved an outstanding 8-1 record in bowl games, leading USC to the 1978 national championship and eight bowl appearances.
Over two tenures at USC, spanning 12 years, Robinson became the winningest coach in the program's history, second only to legends John McKay and Howard Jones. He led the Trojans from 1976 to 1982 and again from 1993 to 1997, never finishing a season with a losing record. His tenure included four Rose Bowl victories and five conference championships.
Robinson was instrumental in developing numerous NFL talents, producing 24 first-team All-Americans, 22 first-round draft picks, two Heisman Trophy winners—Charles White and Marcus Allen—and a Lombardi Award recipient, Brad Budde. His accolades include induction into the Rose Bowl Hall of Fame in 2004, the College Football Hall of Fame in 2009, and the USC Athletic Hall of Fame, among others.
Former players spoke highly of Robinson's coaching style. Ronnie Lott, a standout safety under Robinson, remarked, "Coach Robinson was one of the greatest college coaches ever. His passion for USC and the game of football was unparalleled. He made us feel larger than life and prioritized our growth beyond just football."
Paul McDonald, the quarterback of Robinson's talented 1979 team, noted Robinson's demanding yet compassionate approach. "He had great interpersonal skills and knew how to connect with people. He inspired us to give our all and run through walls for him because he genuinely cared."
Robinson's coaching journey began as an assistant at his alma mater, Oregon, before moving to USC, where he first served as an assistant from 1972 to 1974. He then took the helm of the Los Angeles Rams from 1983 to 1991, leading the team to the NFC Championship Game twice. After a stint at UNLV from 1999 to 2004, he also served as a consultant for LSU, contributing to their national title in 2019.
Throughout his career, Robinson maintained an impressive 8-1 record in bowl games over 18 seasons as a head coach. His influence on the game and the lives of countless players will be remembered long after his passing.
Zainab Y.
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