Jim Johnson passes

themont85

http://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/news/NewsStory18048.html

The Philadelphia Eagles are saddened to announce Jim Johnson has passed away Tuesday afternoon at the age of 68 after a courageous battle with cancer.

A veteran of 22 years as an NFL assistant, Johnson is regarded as one of the top defensive masterminds in National Football League history. Over the last decade, he gained a great deal of praise as the orchestrator of the renowned Eagles defense. His aggressive style kept Philadelphia at or near the top of the NFL in nearly every major defensive category since joining Andy Reid's staff on January 22, 1999.


Jim Johnson was beloved by his colleagues, players From 2000-08, Johnson's units ranked second in the NFL in sacks (390), 3rd down efficiency (34.0%) and red zone touchdown percentage (43.9%), and fourth in fewest points allowed (17.7 per game). During his 10-year tenure in Philadelphia, the Eagles earned seven playoff berths, five trips to the NFC Championship game and one Super Bowl appearance (following the 2004 season).

As the Eagles' defensive chief, Johnson's defense has produced 26 Pro Bowl selections: Brian Dawkins (7), Troy Vincent (5), Jeremiah Trotter (4), Hugh Douglas (3), Lito Sheppard (2), Asante Samuel (1), Trent Cole (1), Michael Lewis (1), Corey Simon (1), and Bobby Taylor (1).

Four of his defensive assistants have gone on to successful careers with other NFL franchises: Steve Spagnuolo (head coach of the St. Louis Rams), John Harbaugh (head coach of the Baltimore Ravens), Ron Rivera (defensive coordinator of the San Diego Chargers) and Leslie Frazier (defensive coordinator of the Minnesota Vikings).

Prior to his tenure in Philadelphia, Johnson served as the linebackers coach with Seattle in 1998. That year, Johnson helped the Seahawks register 10 touchdowns on defense, including eight interceptions returned for scores, second-most in NFL history. He arrived in Seattle after a four-year stint in Indianapolis, the last two as defensive coordinator. While with the Colts, Johnson helped them secure a berth in the AFC Championship game at Pittsburgh in 1995.

Johnson spent eight seasons with the Arizona Cardinals (1986-93). After overseeing the Cards defensive line for four seasons, Johnson excelled as their secondary coach, helping Aeneas Williams become the first rookie cornerback to lead the league in interceptions (6) since 1981.

Johnson began his coaching career as head coach at Missouri Southern (1967-68), before serving four-year tenures at Drake and Indiana. From 1977-83, Johnson served as defensive coordinator and assistant head coach at Notre Dame, a stint that included a national championship in 1977.

An all-conference quarterback himself at Missouri (where he played in the same backfield with long-time NFL executive Bill Tobin), Johnson went on to spend two seasons with Buffalo as a tight end (1963-64).

A native of Maywood, IL, Johnson (born 5/26/41) earned a bachelor's degree in education and a master's degree in physical education from Missouri.

Johnson is survived by his wife, Vicky, two children, Scott and Michelle, and four grandchildren, Katie, Justin, Brandon, and Jax.

http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-total-access/09000d5d81186290/Jim-Johnson-passes-away

Shocked really. Only last week they appointed an interm co-ordinator.

A real defensive guru Johnson was. Played the type of defense we all love-blitz, blitz, blitz. The Eagles wouldn't have been half the team without him.

R.I.P.

The Sparrow

RIP.

What a loss to the NFL. The guy was the defensive guru.

Sea Devils

Damn, sorry to read that. Johnson was always one of the brightest minds of the NFL and always behaved with class. He was also one of the few D-Coordinators that rejected a HC position to stay with his team in his current position, and you've gotta appreciate that.

It's so sad when something like this happens

tallaghtoutlaws

RIP Jim

Hazys

Puts all this Farve/NFL news into perspective.

Himself and Monte Kiffen were the two best DCs in the league for the last 20 years or so

Sea Devils

Hazys wrote: »

Puts all this Farve/NFL news into perspective.

It's funny but I was watching SportsCentre yesterday and their lead story for NFL news was the Favre retirement and not Jim Johnson's passing. He was one of the greatest defensive minds ever but I guess it shows where their priorities are.

Karlusss

This is a shame, and they were talking about him coming back this year after time off to fight the disease or whatever. Great coach.

jdivision

Hazys wrote: »

Puts all this Farve/NFL news into perspective.

Yeah I was annoyed Favre's announcement overshadowed the death of one the game's geniuses. If you ever get a chance, draw up what the Eagles would do on defence. Would drive you nuts. He had a great one where the D ends would take two steps forward, drawing attention of o tackles, then the ends would drop into coverage. Meanwhile the two olbs were blitzing the QB with only a single back to stop them. SACK. Great mind.