Jim Johnson (American football) facts for kids
Johnson at Eagles training camp in 2008
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| Personal information | |
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| Born: | May 26, 1941 Maywood, Illinois, U.S. |
| Died: | July 28, 2009 (aged 68) Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Career information | |
| College: | Missouri |
| Undrafted: | 1963 |
| Career history | |
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| As coach: | |
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| Career highlights and awards | |
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| Coaching stats at PFR | |
Jim Johnson (May 26, 1941 – July 28, 2009) was an American football player and coach. He is best known for being a top defensive coordinator in the National Football League (NFL). He worked for the Philadelphia Eagles for nine seasons.
Johnson was famous for his amazing blitzes. He was very good at hiding his plans, which made it hard for opposing teams to know what was coming. This often confused their offenses.
Before coaching, Johnson played as a tight end for two years. He played for the Buffalo Bills in the American Football League (AFL). He coached for over 40 years, mostly as a defensive coordinator.
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Playing Football
Jim Johnson grew up in Maywood, Illinois. He played high school football there. Later, he played college football at the University of Missouri from 1959 to 1962. He was a talented quarterback and was even named an all-Big Eight player.
After college, Johnson was not chosen in the 1963 NFL Draft. However, the Buffalo Bills signed him to play as a tight end. He played for them in the AFL during the 1963 and 1964 seasons.
Coaching Football
Johnson started his coaching journey at Missouri Southern in 1967. He was the head coach there for two years. After that, he coached at Drake University and Indiana University.
In 1977, Johnson joined the University of Notre Dame as a defensive backs coach. In his first year, he helped the team win the national championship. He was later promoted to defensive coordinator.
Coaching in Professional Leagues
Johnson coached in the USFL for two years. He worked with the Oklahoma Outlaws in 1984 and the Jacksonville Bulls in 1985.
In 1986, Johnson began his NFL coaching career. He spent eight seasons with the St. Louis/Phoenix Cardinals. He coached their defensive line and later their secondary. He helped player Aeneas Williams become the first rookie cornerback to lead the league in interceptions.
In 1994, he moved to the Indianapolis Colts as a linebackers coach. He became their defensive coordinator in 1996. After the 1997 season, the Colts' coaching staff was let go.
Johnson then spent the 1998 season with the Seattle Seahawks as a linebackers coach. His defense helped the Seahawks score 10 touchdowns, including 8 from interceptions.
Philadelphia Eagles Success
On January 22, 1999, Jim Johnson became the defensive coordinator for the Philadelphia Eagles. This was his most successful time as a coach. The Eagles won five division titles with his defenses.
The Eagles' head coach, Andy Reid, focused on offense. This meant Johnson had full control over the team's defense. He was one of the highest-paid coordinators in the NFL because of his success. Coach Reid often said Johnson was "the best in the business."
From 2000 to 2007, Johnson's defenses were among the best in the NFL.
- They were tied for first in the league with 342 sacks.
- They were second in stopping opponents on third downs.
- They were fourth in allowing the fewest points per game.
In 2001, Johnson's defense was amazing. They did not allow more than 21 points in any of their 16 games. This was only the fourth time in NFL history a team had done this. In 1999, his defense also forced 46 turnovers, which was the best in the NFL that year.
Many Eagles defenders were chosen for the Pro Bowl while Johnson was their coordinator. Some of these players include Brian Dawkins (seven times), Troy Vincent (five times), and Jeremiah Trotter (four times).
Several current NFL head coaches also worked under Jim Johnson with the Eagles. These include John Harbaugh, Ron Rivera, and Sean McDermott.
Illness and Passing
In January 2009, it was announced that Jim Johnson was being treated for melanoma, a type of cancer. In May, he took a leave of absence as his cancer advanced. Sean McDermott took over his duties.
On July 24, 2009, Johnson officially stepped down as defensive coordinator. Four days later, on July 28, 2009, Jim Johnson passed away at the age of 68.
Images for kids
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Jim Johnson coaching the Eagles in 2008.
