Legendary USC Coach John Robinson Dies at 89; Led Trojans to 1978 National Title

Nov 12, 2024, 12:44 AM

John Robinson, the legendary football coach who led the University of Southern California (USC) to the 1978 national championship, died on Monday in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, at the age of 89 due to complications from pneumonia. Robinson, inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame, had two stints as head coach at USC, guiding the Trojans into eight bowl games, five league titles, and four Rose Bowl victories. He also served as head coach of the Los Angeles Rams from 1983 to 1991, leading them to six playoff appearances and one NFC West title, and held the record for most wins in franchise history until last month. Later in his career, Robinson coached at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), where he also served as athletic director, and was a consultant on Louisiana State University's (LSU) most recent national championship team. Robinson passed away with family members by his side, and the Rams confirmed his death. He is remembered as a close friend of the late John Madden.