John Robinson, one of Southern California’s most successful and famous football coaches, has died at the age of 89.
He died in Baton Rouge on Monday of complications from pneumonia.
Robinson coached both USC and the Los Angeles Rams during his illustrious career.
The Rams said in a statement: “We are heartbroken to share that former Los Angeles Rams head coach John Robinson passed away today.”
“Our thoughts are with Coach Robinson’s family and friends, and all those he impacted throughout his historic career.”
John Robinson, one of Southern California’s most successful football coaches, dies
Robinson compiled a 104-35-4 record during two separate terms as head football coach at USC, winning a national championship with the Trojans in 1978.
The 104 wins placed him third in all-time wins at the school behind John McKay and Howard Jones.
Robinson never had a losing season at USC in 12 seasons. His first team, in 1976, went 11-1 and won the Rose Bowl, finishing second in the AP poll.
After a drop to 8-4 in 1977, Robinson put together a two-year streak of 23-1-1 in 1978-79, winning two more Rose Bowls and a national championship as designated by the coaches’ poll in 1978.
He coached three more seasons during that first tenure, producing such notable NFL stars as Marcus Allen, Ricky Bell, Charles White, Clay Matthews and Joey Browner. Allen and White won the Heisman Trophy while playing for Robinson.
In 1983, Robinson was given the reins of the Los Angeles Rams and advanced to the NFC Championship Game twice during his tenure there (1983-1991), going 75-68.
Robinson compiled a 104-35-4 record at USC and won a national championship in 1978.
In 1983, Robinson took over the Rams and advanced to the NFC Championship Game twice.
The Trojans re-signed Robinson for the 1993 season. While his second stint at USC did not produce the same highs, he earned three more wins in five seasons, including wins in the Cotton Bowl and the Rose Bowl.
His head coaching career concluded in Las Vegas with UNLV, where he went 28-42 in six years.
He also became a consultant for LSU and was present for the Tigers’ 2019 national title.
Overall, Robinson finished with an 8-1 record in bowl games over 18 seasons as a head coach.