All Around Web Blog

Long time Philly Eagles D coordinator has passed away at age 68 due to a cancer tumor in his spine. Being an Eagles fan I realize what a large loss this is for both Philly and the Eagles. Johnson was great at what he did. One of the best in NFL history. He is a vet of 22 years. He is widely called the top defensive mind in the NFL.

He is known for he very complex plays and schemes that always left opponents confused. He always put much pressure on opposing QB’s. His defensive units always ranked in the top of the NFL. Just last season the Eagles were 3rd overall in total D. From 00-08 his D’s were ranked 2nd in the NFL in sacks with 390! With him leading the Eagles D, they made the playoffs 7 times outta 10 years, with a grand total of 26 Pro Bowl selections. Amazing stats and an amazing coach.

“This whole Eagles-Andy Reid regime here that’s taken place wouldn’t have been possible without Jim,” says Andy Reid, who hired Johnson to be his defensive coordinator shortly after he got his first head coaching job with the Eagles back in 99.

Johnson had been treated for melanoma back in 2001. Then in Jan. he complained of pain in his back, which made him have to coach from the press box in the Eagles playoff win of the NY Giants and also in the loss to the AZ Cardinals, one game short of the Super Bowl.

He got an MRI just after the divisional playoff win vs the Giants on Jan 11th. Doctors realized something serious was wrong. Just after the loss to the Cards, the Eagles publicly announced that the cancer was back and Johnson would have to undergo more treatments.

He then returned to coach the Eagles 1st post NFL draft minicamp back in May, but it was from a motorized scooter. He said he did not know if he would return for this coming season.

One of Johnson’s top D players in Philly was now Denver safety Brian Dawkins, who played a total of 10 seasons under Johnson in Philly, said: “He was a tough coach who wasn’t afraid to let you know how he was feeling, but at the same time, he cared about us deeply.” Another loss for the Eagles this year was the signing of Dawkins to the Broncos rosters.

This is a big loss for the Eagles, hopefully our defense will still be strong in the following seasons and continue to be a top defense  unit throughout the league.

Rest In Peace to Jim Johnson.

This article can also be read right HERE

And HERE