The Philadelphia Eagles announced that longtime defensive coordinator Jim Johnson lost his fight with skin cancer and died Tuesday afternoon at the age of 68. Johnson was the Eagles defensive coordinator for 10 years under coach Andy Reid, stepping aside officially just last week when it was announced that Sean McDermott would take over the position."For ten years, Jim Johnson was an exceptional coach for the Philadelphia Eagles, but more importantly, he was an outstanding human being," Eagles chairman Jeffrey Lurie said in a statement released by the team. "Jim epitomized the traits of what a great coach should be -- a teacher, a leader and a winner. He positively touched the lives of so many people in and out of the Eagles organization. It was easy to feel close to him. We will miss him greatly."
Johnson was an NFL assistant for a total of 22 years, spending time on the staffs of the Arizona Cardinals, Indianapolis Colts and Seattle Seahawks prior to joining the Eagles, where he became known as one of the top defensive minds in the game and one of the best defensive coordinators of all time. According to the press release announcing his death, Johnson's defenses ranked second in the NFL in sacks, third-down efficiency and red zone touchdown percentage and fourth in average points allowed per game from 2000-08.
Monday in Bethlehem, Pa., after the Eagles' morning practice session, McDermott was asked how he was getting by without his mentor, Johnson, around to help, and whether he finds himself asking what Johnson would do in certain situations."Not so much, 'What would Jim do here,' because I ran through those situations already in my mind, and if I hadn't by now it would have been a big mistake," McDermott said. "But moreso missing him coming out of the locker room, missing him in meetings this morning, just his presence. He had a way about him that you loved just being around the guy."
Deaths in Sports
Jim Johnson, July 28: A defensive mastermind, the former Eagles defensive coordinator passed at age 68 following a battle with skin cancer. Click through to see recent deaths in the world of sports.
Drew Hallowell, Getty Images
Vernon Forrest, July 25: The 38-year-old Forrest, left, during a 2008 fight against Sergio Mora, was shot and killed in an apparent robbery, according to Atlanta police.
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Marco Antonio Nazareth, July 22: The 23-year-old boxer dies four days after suffering a brain hemorrhage in a technical knockout loss to Omar Chavez.
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Ed Rudolph, July 19: The former national speedskating champion, pictured here in 1961, was killed in a crash when the driver of a GMC Suburban swerved to avoid a deer and collided with his Acura.
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Sue Burns, July 19: A part owner of the San Francisco Giants and devoted philanthropist, Burns died of complications from lung cancer.
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Arturo Gatti, July 11: The former junior welterweight champion was found dead in a hotel room at the age of 37. Gatti, known for his legendary bouts that electrified fans, participated in Ring Magazine's 'Fight of the Year' a total of four times.
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Rene Capo, July 7: A two-time judo Olympian, Capo also played college football at the University of Minnesota. He was 48.
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Mathieu Montcourt, July 7: The French tennis player was found dead by his girlfriend outside his apartment.
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Lou Creekmur, July 5: The Hall of Fame lineman was known for his tenacious style of play and starred on three Detroit Lions championship teams.
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Steve McNair, July 4: A fan favorite during his 13 years in the NFL, McNair was found dead in a Nashville condo, the victim of a gunshot wound to the head.
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Under Johnson, 10 different Eagles defensive players made a combined total of 26 Pro Bowls, led by former safety Brian Dawkins' seven. During his 10-year tenure, the Eagles made seven playoff appearances, five NFC Championship Game appearances and one Super Bowl.
As a player, he was an all-conference quarterback at the University of Missouri and played two professional seasons (1963-64) as a tight end for Buffalo.
He is survived by his wife, Vicky, his two children, Scott and Michelle, and four grandchildren.
Comments (Page 1 of 6)
R.I.P. Jim. You were the brightest star in Philly. Thanks for making the Eagles a constant threat to win.
As one who bleeds green, we are very aware of what Jim Johnson was to this team and this area. He was a great guy who quietly went about his job of building great defenses, doing so with class, dignity, and much skill. RIP, coach. It's a huge truth that you'll be missed much more than these words can ever convey.
Rat Man
I went to High School with Jim, and he was always an easy going guy that everyone liked. I never heard him say an unkind word about anyone. I had not seen him in many years but followed his progress, and he paid his dues. Getting a job in the NFL was not always easy and Jim was not a pushy guy. God Speed Jimmy.
Ah man, this sucks! I HATE the She-agles but Jim was a constant threat. From a Cowboys fan, RIP!
Just want to point out a typo....you wrote "Cowboys".....should be "Cowgirls"....just wanted to clear that up
Just ignore Steve here... we lost Jim Johnson, Harry Kallas, and Gary Papa (local ABC sports director) - the only three in Philly with any class!
My thoughts and prayers are with his family. As a Cowboys fan I used to hate seeing them twice a year. He will truly be missed in football. Steve you are the reason why philly fans are considered the worst in sports. No Class.
Let me think there Kidd Mechanical, I'm pretty sure joecrpchrst attacked first by saying and i quote "She-agles" so before you speak about class, tell your fellow cowboy fan to check his head, as well as you should too. There's your leason in class
but to the topic at hand. RIP Jim Johnson.
First Dawkins leaves now Jim, our D is starting to scare me a little bit more now...
Very sad news. RIP. You were an amazing D coordinator and the game of football will surely miss you.
As a football fan I will greatly miss Jim Johnson.
He's the reason so many video game players select the Eagles.
Man! Celebrities are dropping as fast as panties on Spring break. I am glad that my talents are unknown. It has been a rough few months; so far we have lost David Carradine, Farrah Fawsett, Ed McMahon, Robert McNamara, Steve McNair, Gayle Storm, Frank McCourt, Walter Cronkite, Arturo Gattis, Edward Downs, Sarah Palin's career, Ed Rudolph, Fred Travalena, Billy Mayes, Lou Creekmur,Gordon Waller, Dom Dimagio, Shih Kien,
The taco belle dog, some guy named Jackson, Vernon Forres, Luis Quintana, now Jim Johnson.
The old sage said celbrities die in threes, By the looks of the past few months; it is that they die in droves. Are there any celebrities left?
Who's next? Does Bill O really, qualify as a celebrity?
Yes Oreilly qualifies as a celebrity since people actually watch his show unlike that liberal simpleton Keith Olberman. lol
don't be stupid. you know who "Jackson" is.
They all died in three's....Billy Mays threw in the fourth one for free.
love ur "& some guy named jackson" funny stuff! we've lost alot & may they all r.i.p!god bless & ya'll have a great day
u fogot the late great billy mays....
Lets talk about the toppic and the man NOT politics. Empty barrels make the most noise. As a Giants fan it was always appreciated the level of competition this man brought to the game. There are only a handfull of jobs in the WORLD as a "D" head coach and this man was one of the best.
i didn't hear this two had died David Carradine, Ed McMahon
No - he doesn't even qualify as a human being.
Don't forget Obamas ratings.