Former USC coach John Robinson dies – dead at 89

Former football coach John Robinson, who is best known for his time with USC and the Los Angeles Rams, died in Baton Rouge, La., on Monday due to complications from pneumonia. He was 89 years old.

Both USC and UNLV, where Robinson coached, shared tributes to Robinson via X.

John Robinson, one of USC's most popular and successful football coaches, died today (Monday, Nov. 11) in Baton Rouge, Louisiana of complications from pneumonia. He was 89.#FightOnForever pic.twitter.com/tPvQVFBcIO

— USC Football ✌️ (@uscfb) November 12, 2024

UNLV Mourns Passing Of Former Rebel Football Coach and AD John Robinsonhttps://t.co/OfhmDQJBQp

— UNLV Athletics (@UNLVathletics) November 12, 2024

Robinson coached USC from 1976–1982 and again from 1993–1997. In between, he coached the Rams from 1983–1991.

Robinson’s first stint at USC was his most successful. His teams won the Rose Bowl three times over the first four years (1976, 1978, and 1979). The Trojans finished second in the AP poll in all three years and won a share of the national title in 1978.

During his time with the Rams, Robinson went 75-68 and made the playoffs in six of nine seasons.

Robinson went 28–42 during a mostly forgettable tenure as UNLV’s coach from 1999-2004. He later served as UNLV’s athletic director.

Robinson was elected to the College Football Hall of Fame in 2009.