Legendary USC football coach John Robinson has passed away at the age of 89, the school announced recently. Robinson, who was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2018, died from complications of pneumonia. Originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Robinson played tight end at Oregon and was a member of the 1958 Rose Bowl team before starting his coaching career as an assistant with the Ducks in 1960. He eventually moved on to USC as offensive coordinator before joining the Oakland Raiders’ staff under John Madden.
Robinson’s most successful years came from 1976 to 1997, when he had two stints as head coach at USC and of the Los Angeles Rams in the NFL. At USC, he led the team to a national championship and four conference titles, tallying a 104-35-4 record with a 7-1 bowl game record. The 1978 national championship team included future NFL stars Marcus Allen, Anthony Munoz, and Ronnie Lott. Robinson then took over the Rams in 1983, turning a 2-7 team into a 9-7 team in his first season and leading them to the playoffs in six of his first seven seasons.
Throughout his coaching career, Robinson left a lasting impact on the USC and Rams organizations. He passed away leaving behind his wife, four children, two stepchildren, and 10 grandchildren. Robinson was known for his successful coaching career, his leadership abilities, and his impact on the sport of football. He will be remembered as a USC football legend and a respected figure in the coaching community.
