Philadelphia Eagles defensive coordinator Jim Johnson dead at 68 - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Brian Damage · 07-28-2009, 06:21 PM

Just received this upsetting e-mail from the Eagles and wanted to pass along the sad news pronto:

The Philadelphia Eagles are saddened to announce Jim Johnson has passed away this 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 notoriety 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.

From 2000-08, Johnson's units ranked 2nd 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, 2nd 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.nj.com/sports/ledger/need...defensive.html

Waterston_Fan · 07-28-2009, 06:24 PM

I heard the Eagles had announced a new Defensive Coordinator last week. They must have known that Jim wasn't going to come back or even make it.

Marvo301 · 07-28-2009, 06:28 PM

Jim Johnson

Mr. Television · 07-28-2009, 06:29 PM

Oh wow, this is awful news.

I want to express my condolences to mriggles and Wreckless on the loss of a great coach. He was the heart and soul of the Eagles defense for so many years and he gave me nightmares too. He was a big factor in why the Eagles dominated the Cowboys for so long. He was one of a kind. I always thought he would have made a great head coach. R.I.P. Coach Johnson.

TVFactFan · 07-28-2009, 09:14 PM

Decided to just the ABC website in Philly before I left work and got the shocking news. Us NFL fans lost a great one, RIP JJ

Wreckless · 07-28-2009, 10:09 PM

God, how many people must you take from us in one year? In ONE year where it's not even over yet.

Harry Kalas
Danny Ozark
Peter Zezel
and now Jim Johnson

RIP...you were a great man and an absolute fantastic defensive coordinator for years, with us and with other teams. I'm sorry you lost your battle with melanoma. You didn't give up.

Marvo301 · 07-28-2009, 10:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wreckless

God, how many people must you take from us in one year? In ONE year where it's not even over yet.

Harry Kalas
Danny Ozark
Peter Zezel
and now Jim Johnson

RIP...you were a great man and an absolute fantastic defensive coordinator for years, with us and with other teams. I'm sorry you lost your battle with melanoma. You didn't give up.

No kidding. 2009 has been a very tragic year on the Philly sports scene.

Wreckless · 07-28-2009, 10:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Clint Eastwood Fan

Oh wow, this is awful news.

I want to express my condolences to mriggles and Wreckless on the loss of a great coach. He was the heart and soul of the Eagles defense for so many years and he gave me nightmares too. He was a big factor in why the Eagles dominated the Cowboys for so long. He was one of a kind. I always thought he would have made a great head coach. R.I.P. Coach Johnson.

Thanks Sonny, I appreciate it. I know Mike is really upset over this, I am as well. It's terrible news.

Wreckless · 07-28-2009, 10:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marvo301

No kidding. 2009 has been a very tragic year on the Philly sports scene.

Yeah Marv, it's been very sad. I'm thinking their was one or two other deaths in Philly sports this year that I'm forgetting. But coincidence or not, they were all special in their own way. Jimmy was old-fashioned but great. Smoked his cigarettes and gave you the lowdown on everything. I met him briefly once, but he reminds me of my grandfather, who passed a long time ago. I feel bad for JJ's kids.

Zoneboy · 07-28-2009, 10:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wreckless

God, how many people must you take from us in one year? In ONE year where it's not even over yet.

Harry Kalas
Danny Ozark
Peter Zezel
and now Jim Johnson

And Gary Papa also.

GARFIELDKOOL · 07-29-2009, 07:27 AM

That man was a defensive genius, and he will be missed. I am sorry to hear this as well, wreckless and mriggles.

browneyes106 · 07-29-2009, 12:57 PM

I heard about this late night on NFL Network. I do remember hearing a few days before that Eagles were interviewing for a new DC. I didn't think Jim's cancer was that bad. RIP Jim Johnson.

catlover79 · 07-29-2009, 01:32 PM

07-28-2009, 06:21 PM	#1
Brian Damage I'm Rich Bitch Forum Icon Join Date: Feb 03, 2002 Location: What Ain't No Country I Ever Heard Of...They Speak English in What? Posts: 63,107	Philadelphia Eagles defensive coordinator Jim Johnson dead at 68 Just received this upsetting e-mail from the Eagles and wanted to pass along the sad news pronto: The Philadelphia Eagles are saddened to announce Jim Johnson has passed away this 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 notoriety 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. From 2000-08, Johnson's units ranked 2nd 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, 2nd 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.nj.com/sports/ledger/need...defensive.html
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07-28-2009, 06:28 PM	#3
Marvo301 I'm NOT a Blockhead! Forum Celebrity Join Date: May 17, 2002 Location: The Great White North Posts: 21,460	Jim Johnson
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07-28-2009, 06:29 PM	#4
Mr. Television 23 Years at Sitcoms Online Forum Icon Join Date: Jun 06, 2003 Location: Somewhere you're Not Posts: 62,132	Oh wow, this is awful news. I want to express my condolences to mriggles and Wreckless on the loss of a great coach. He was the heart and soul of the Eagles defense for so many years and he gave me nightmares too. He was a big factor in why the Eagles dominated the Cowboys for so long. He was one of a kind. I always thought he would have made a great head coach. R.I.P. Coach Johnson.
	__________________ Sonny

07-29-2009, 01:32 PM	#13
catlover79 God Bless Val Forum Addict Join Date: May 29, 2006 Location: Bewitched in Ohio Posts: 70,392
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07-28-2009, 06:24 PM	#2
Waterston_Fan Eternal Member Eternal Member Forum 3000 Club Member Join Date: Dec 26, 2005 Location: Southern California Posts: 3,195	I heard the Eagles had announced a new Defensive Coordinator last week. They must have known that Jim wasn't going to come back or even make it.

07-28-2009, 09:14 PM	#5
TVFactFan Member Forum Junkie Join Date: Aug 17, 2002 Posts: 99,135	Decided to just the ABC website in Philly before I left work and got the shocking news. Us NFL fans lost a great one, RIP JJ

07-28-2009, 10:09 PM	#6
Wreckless Member Forum Fanatic Join Date: Nov 04, 2007 Location: Banned Posts: 9,406	God, how many people must you take from us in one year? In ONE year where it's not even over yet. Harry Kalas Danny Ozark Peter Zezel and now Jim Johnson RIP...you were a great man and an absolute fantastic defensive coordinator for years, with us and with other teams. I'm sorry you lost your battle with melanoma. You didn't give up.

07-29-2009, 07:27 AM	#11
GARFIELDKOOL Member Forum Veteran Join Date: Sep 02, 2004 Location: Rochester, NY Posts: 7,204	That man was a defensive genius, and he will be missed. I am sorry to hear this as well, wreckless and mriggles.

07-29-2009, 12:57 PM	#12
browneyes106 Member Forum Veteran Join Date: Apr 01, 2008 Posts: 6,094	I heard about this late night on NFL Network. I do remember hearing a few days before that Eagles were interviewing for a new DC. I didn't think Jim's cancer was that bad. RIP Jim Johnson.