John Robinson, the former head coach of the University of Southern California (USC) and the Los Angeles Rams, passed away on Monday at the age of 89 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, due to complications from pneumonia. His death was confirmed by both USC and the Rams.
Robinson began his coaching career at USC in 1976, following assistant coaching roles at USC, Oregon, and with the Oakland Raiders. During his 12 years at USC, he led the Trojans to a national championship in 1978 and compiled a 104-35-4 record. Under his leadership, USC won five Pac-10 titles, posted a perfect 4-0 record in the Rose Bowl, and produced two Heisman Trophy winners, Charles White and Marcus Allen.
After leaving USC in 1982, Robinson moved to the NFL, where he took over as head coach of the Los Angeles Rams, succeeding Ray Malavasi. Over nine seasons with the Rams, Robinson recorded a 75-68 record and guided the team to two NFC Championship games. His 79 career wins as Rams head coach held the franchise record until surpassed by current head coach Sean McVay last month.
Robinson returned to USC for a second tenure from 1993 to 1997 and later served as head coach at UNLV from 1999 to 2004, posting a 28-42 record and leading the team to one bowl game. He also briefly served as UNLV’s athletic director.
After retiring from coaching, Robinson remained involved in football as a national college football analyst, a development officer with USC’s athletic department, and a consultant to LSU’s football program under former head coach Ed Orgeron. He was part of the LSU staff that won the national championship in 2019.
Robinson’s contributions to college football were honored with his induction into the College Football Hall of Fame and the USC Athletic Hall of Fame in 2009.