John Robinson: A Legacy in Football
John Robinson, the charismatic head coach who led the University of Southern California (USC) football team to an impressive four Rose Bowl victories and secured one national championship, passed away on Monday in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He was 89 years old. USC announced that the cause of death was complications arising from pneumonia.
Renowned for his approachable coaching style, Robinson was often described as a players’ coach, a stark contrast to the more traditional, stern figures often found in the world of sports. Over his remarkable 27-year career, he not only led the Trojans but also took the Los Angeles Rams to the brink of two Super Bowl appearances and served as the head coach for the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) Rebels.
Jim Murray, a prominent sports columnist for The Los Angeles Times, captured Robinson’s essence perfectly when he noted that Robinson broke the mold of old-school coaches who were often distant or intimidating. Murray wrote in 1982, “Football coaches tend to be Machiavellian in character, but Robinson was more like a country doctor healing the sick in exchange for fresh eggs.” This sentiment reflects the warmth and connection Robinson fostered with his players.
Vince Newsome, a safety for the Rams, echoed these thoughts in an interview with The New York Times in 1988, stating, “The one thing about him that has never changed is he can motivate anybody, even when you don’t understand how he’s doing it. He’s blessed with being able to talk to a guy from his own experience. He can pick you up out of your own personal funk.” This ability to connect and inspire his athletes was a hallmark of Robinson’s coaching philosophy.
In his first tenure as the head coach of the Trojans, Robinson took over from the legendary John McKay in 1976. He achieved immediate success, leading the team to a Rose Bowl victory at the end of that regular season. His prowess was evident again as he guided USC to additional Rose Bowl triumphs following the 1978 and 1979 seasons.
