John Robinson, the celebrated football coach known for his successes at the University of Southern California (USC) and with the Los Angeles Rams, has passed away at the age of 89. His death was confirmed by the Rams and was attributed to complications from pneumonia, occurring in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
Robinson was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame due to his impressive coaching tenures at USC, where he held a remarkable record of 104-35-4, and his NFL tenure with the Rams, where he became their winningest coach with a record of 75-68. His accomplishments include an outstanding postseason performance at USC, where he led the Trojans to eight wins and just one loss in bowl games.
His notable coaching career at USC spanned from 1976 to 1982 and then again from 1993 to 1997. During this time, he never recorded a losing season, securing five conference titles and four Rose Bowl victories. Robinson was instrumental in the development of star running backs like Charles White and Marcus Allen, both of whom won the Heisman Trophy under his leadership.
Transitioning to the NFL, Robinson joined the Rams in 1983 and quickly made an impact by leading the team to the playoffs in six of his first seven seasons, including two appearances in the NFC Championship game.
After his time with the Rams, Robinson returned to college football, taking the reins at UNLV and facing the challenge of revitalizing a struggling program. He successfully led the Rebels to their third bowl appearance in school history in just his second season. Additionally, Robinson served as a senior consultant at LSU from 2019 to 2021.
Born on July 25, 1935, in Chicago, and raised in the Bay Area, Robinson played tight end for Oregon’s 1958 Rose Bowl championship team before embarking on a coaching career. He initially joined USC as an offensive coordinator and was part of their consensus national championship team in 1972.
A life celebration is planned to honor Robinson’s legacy after the college football season concludes. He is survived by his wife, Beverly, four children, two stepchildren, and ten grandchildren.
Robinson’s enduring influence on football, both in college and professional leagues, highlights his exceptional contributions to the sport, and his memory will surely inspire future generations of coaches and players.
It’s clear that Robinson’s impact will be felt for years to come, as he has paved the way for many in football. His commitment to excellence and the development of young talent leaves behind a legacy that many will remember and respect.