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Legendary NFL and college football coach John Robinson has died at age 89

John Robinson, one of Southern California’s most successful and famous football coaches, has died at the age of 89.

He died Monday in Baton Rouge 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 announce that former Los Angeles Rams head coach John Robinson passed away today.”

“Our thoughts are with Coach Robinson’s family and friends and with everyone he influenced throughout his career.”

John Robinson, one of Southern California’s most successful football coaches, has died

Robinson compiled a 104-35-4 record in two terms as USC’s head coach and won a national championship with the Trojans in 1978.

His 104 wins ranked him third in all-time wins for the school behind John McKay and Howard Jones.

Robinson never had a losing season in 12 seasons at USC. His first team went 11-1 in the 1976 Rose Bowl and was ranked No. 2 in the AP poll.

After falling to 8-4 in 1977, Robinson posted a two-year record of 23-1-1 in 1978-79 and won two more Rose Bowls and a national championship as ranked in the 1978 Coaches’ Poll.

During that first tenure, he coached for another three seasons and produced such well-known NFL stars as Marcus Allen, Ricky Bell, Charles White, Clay Matthews and Joey Browner. Allen and White both won the Heisman Trophy while playing for Robinson.

In 1983, Robinson was handed the reins to the Los Angeles Rams and made it 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

Robinson compiled a 104-35-4 record at USC and won a national championship in 1978

In 1983, Robinson took over as the Rams and reached the NFC Championship Game twice

In 1983, Robinson took over as the Rams and reached the NFC Championship Game twice

The Trojans re-hired Robinson for the 1993 season. While his second stint at USC didn’t produce the same success, he did earn three more bowl victories in five seasons, including victories in the Cotton Bowl and Rose Bowl.

His head coaching career ended in Las Vegas at UNLV, where he went 28-42 for six years.

He also became a consultant at LSU and was part of the Tigers’ 2019 national title.

Overall, Robinson completed his 18 seasons as head coach with an 8-1 record in bowl games.

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