LOS ANGELES (Diya TV) — Legendary football coach John Robinson, who won championships with USC and enjoyed great success with the Los Angeles Rams, passed away Wednesday at age 88. He was confirmed dead by his family, but no cause was mentioned.
Calm and gentle, yet capable of reaching out to his players on a player-personnel level, he was the first to garner widespread acclaim as a head coach at the University of Southern California in the 1970s. Under his guidance, USC claimed four Rose Bowl victories and a national championship in 1978, placing him in the company of all-time college football greats. A Hall of Famer, Robinson’s long tenure has left an indelible mark on both college and professional football.
After a very successful college coaching career, Robinson jumped to the NFL in 1983 and served as the coach of the Los Angeles Rams. His professional coaching career was similar in that he led the Rams into several playoff seasons, including two NFC Championship Game appearances. He became known throughout his career as being able to succeed at any level of the sport.
USC head coach Pete Carroll also paid tribute to the football legend: “He was a true icon in football who inspired generations of players and coaches.” Robinson’s influence reached the legendary football tradition of USC, which has defined the program over the many years since.
After two years out of the NFL in 1991, Robinson returned to college football for one final fling with USC and went on to coach at UNLV, retiring in 2004. While Robinson would never again step onto the sidelines, he was still a highly-visible presence by frequently working as an analyst and commentator on football.
Reflecting on the impact Robinson had is former Rams running back Eric Dickerson, who played under him: ‘He was more than just a coach — he was a mentor who cared about us as players and as people.'”
When it comes to credits, Robinson received several accolades, like induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2009. A pretty decorated legacy, not just because of win and loss records, as so many credit him for introducing them to personal and professional growth.
Robinson is survived by his wife, Beverly, and two children. Funeral details are yet to be announced.