John Robinson, a revered coach known for his impactful tenure at the University of Southern California (USC) and the Los Angeles Rams, has sadly passed away at the age of 89. The announcement was made by both the university and the Rams organization. Robinson died in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, after facing complications related to pneumonia.

Robinson began his illustrious coaching career at USC in 1976, following assistant coaching roles with the Trojans, Oregon, and the NFL’s Oakland Raiders. During his impressive 12-year act at USC, he led the team to a glorious national championship during the 1978 season, showcasing his masterful leadership. With a remarkable record of 104 wins, 35 losses, and 4 ties, Robinson sits third in the all-time coaching wins at USC. His reign brought home five Pac-10 championships and a perfect 4-0 record in the Rose Bowl, solidifying his legacy in college football history. Under his guidance, legends Charles White and Marcus Allen won the prestigious Heisman Trophy.

After leaving USC following the 1982 season, Robinson transitioned to the NFL, taking over as head coach of the Los Angeles Rams. He succeeded Ray Malavasi, steering the team through nine seasons and achieving a respectable 75 wins against 68 losses. His leadership brought the Rams to the NFC championship game two times. However, his tenure ended after the 1991 season, following two consecutive losing records.

Interestingly, Robinson held the record for the most wins as a head coach in Rams history with 79 until recent coach Sean McVay surpassed this milestone last month, achieving his 80th victory.

Robinson also enjoyed a second stint at USC from 1993 to 1997 and later took on the role of head coach at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) from 1999 to 2004, where he managed to lead the Rebels to a bowl game despite a tough 28-42 record. In addition, he served briefly as UNLV's athletic director.

Even after stepping away from coaching, Robinson remained influential in the football community. He transitioned to national college football analysis and contributed to the USC athletic department as a development officer. Notably, he served as a consultant with the Louisiana State University (LSU) football team during their triumphant 2019 national championship run under head coach Ed Orgeron.

In recognition of his profound contributions to the sport, Robinson was inducted into both the College Football Hall of Fame and the USC Athletic Hall of Fame in 2009. His legacy, filled with remarkable achievements and contributions to college and professional football, will undoubtedly be remembered for years to come.

Stay tuned for more updates on the legacy of John Robinson and interviews with former players and colleagues who were influenced by his extraordinary coaching career.