LOS ANGELES — John Robinson, the accomplished football coach known for his success at the University of Southern California and with the Los Angeles Rams, has passed away at the age of 89.
The Rams organization confirmed Robinson’s death, which was attributed to complications from pneumonia, as reported by USC from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Robinson’s impressive coaching career earned him a place in the College Football Hall of Fame thanks to his remarkable tenures at USC.
As the winningest coach in Rams history during his nine seasons with the NFL team, Robinson’s record of victories was recently surpassed by current head coach Sean McVay just last month.
Renowned for his dual success in both college and professional football, Robinson concluded his tenure at USC with a record of 104 wins, 35 losses, and 4 ties, while finishing his NFL career with the Rams at 75 wins and 68 losses. His performances in bowl games were particularly noteworthy, achieving an impressive 8-1 record in postseason play at USC and UNLV.
Robinson began his coaching career at USC, where he served from 1976 to 1982 and returned for a second stint from 1993 to 1997. Throughout his coaching at the university, he maintained an undefeated record, leading the Trojans to five conference championships and securing four Rose Bowl victories. His dynamic rushing offenses enabled running backs Charles White and Marcus Allen to win the Heisman Trophy during his tenure.
Transitioning to the Rams in 1983, Robinson quickly found success, guiding the team to the playoffs in six of his first seven years. His impressive accomplishments included four playoff victories and appearances in two NFC Championship games.
After his second term at USC, Robinson dedicated six seasons to coaching UNLV, where he also served as the athletic director. Most recently, he held the position of senior consultant at LSU from 2019 to 2021 under coach Ed Orgeron.
Born on July 25, 1935, in Chicago and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, Robinson played tight end for the University of Oregon, contributing to their Rose Bowl victory in 1958. He began his coaching career with the Ducks before becoming John McKay’s offensive coordinator at USC in 1972. Here, he helped lead the unbeaten 1972 consensus national championship team and a strong 1974 team that finished with only one loss.
Robinson briefly left USC to work with John Madden’s Oakland Raiders but returned in 1976 after McKay’s departure to the NFL. Over his seven seasons at USC, Robinson secured either the Pac-8 or Pac-10 title and a corresponding Rose Bowl victory in three of his initial four years. His 1978 squad was recognized as national champions by the UPI coaches’ poll, although Alabama claimed the AP title.
When he joined the Rams, who played in Anaheim, California, Robinson continued his winning ways, with his teams featuring star running back Eric Dickerson. During his era with the Rams, he achieved six playoff berths, though they faced defeat against the eventual Super Bowl champions in two NFC Championship games.
In his second phase at USC, Robinson added another Rose Bowl title to his accomplishments but was let go following the 1997 season.
After leaving USC, he became the head coach at UNLV, where he revitalized a team that had previously faced a 16-game losing streak. In his second season, Robinson led the Rebels to their third bowl appearance in history, finishing with a 28-42 record after stepping down in 2004. A notable highlight during his time at UNLV was a 23-5 upset victory against No. 14 Wisconsin in 2003.
In the years between coaching tenures, Robinson engaged in broadcasting on both television and radio until he returned to football five years ago as a consultant for LSU.
Residing in Encinitas, California, near the beach, Robinson leaves behind his wife, Beverly, four children, two stepchildren, and ten grandchildren.
A celebration of Robinson’s life is planned for after the college football season, in line with his final wishes.