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John Robinson death: What happened to legendary USC coach?

The USC Trojans football program lost one of its most successful and beloved coaches, John Robinson, on Monday due to complications from pneumonia, the school shared the news. The Los Angeles Rams also confirmed the news of the death of their former coach, who died in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

After spending over a decade with Oregon as assistant coach (1960-71), Robinson joined the Trojans in 1972 as offensive coordinator. He left the program after the 1974 season and served as running backs coach for the Oakland Raiders in 1975 before being hired by the Trojans again, only this time as head coach in 1976.

Robinson led the Trojans to the 1978 national championship and posted an impressive mark of 104-35-4. He won the Rose Bowl four times and emerged as Pac-12 winner in five seasons.

Between his two stints as USC head coach, John Robinson also led the Los Angeles Rams from 1983 to 1991, posting a 75-68 record. He would later join the Trojans again in 1993 and stay there till 1997.

USC coach Lincoln Riley and others shared their warm tributes for John Robinson

Upon learning of the death of the legendary coach, USC head coach Lincoln Riley expressed his condolences and admired his efforts toward the program's history.

"It's a tough day," Riley said, via usctrojans.com. "One of the greatest things at our university and our football program is honoring all of the greats that have come before – the coaches, the players and everyone that has made this place special. Days like this are especially tough, but we can remember all the memories and incredible accomplishments that Coach Robinson was a part of here at USC.
"From our entire football family, we want to offer his family condolences and let them know that we appreciate Coach, and he will forever be a huge part of USC football."

After leaving USC, John Robinson joined the UNLV Rebels as head coach in 1999 and stayed there till 2004, posting a 28-42 record.

"Football lost a legend today," UNLV athletic director Erick Harper said, via ESPN. "Coach Robinson was revered by his players, peers, fans and coworkers. He led a wonderful life on and off the football field at so many places, including here at UNLV as both a coach and administrator. Our thoughts and prayers go out to John's family as we remember all that he did for the sport nationally and right here in Las Vegas."

Robinson also served as UNLV's athletic director (2002-03) and most recently served as a senior consultant to LSU from 2019 to 2021.

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