Philadelphia, PA (My Sportsbook) - Jim Johnson, a longtime defensive coordinator of the
Philadelphia Eagles, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 68 after a battle with melanoma skin cancer.
At the time of Johnson's cancer diagnosis in January, it was hoped that he could return to the sidelines after radiation treatments and rest. However, Johnson suffered a setback in May and announced he was taking a leave of absence with secondary coach Sean McDermott taking the reins on an interim basis.
McDermott was eventually elevated to the defensive coordinator post on a permanent basis last Thursday.
"It's not an easy thing. He had such a dynamic personality," said Eagles coach Andy Reid. "He left this legacy here and he battled right to the end."
Johnson held the post for the first 10 seasons of Reid's tenure as Eagles head coach, coming to the staff after serving as linebackers coach for the Seattle Seahawks in 1998.
From 2000-08, the architect of the Birds' defense produced a defense which recorded the second-most sacks (390) in that period as well as the fourth- fewest points per game (17.7) of all NFL clubs.
In addition, the Eagles produced 26 Pro Bowl selections under Johnson's watch, including a combined 16 from former players Brian Dawkins (7), Troy Vincent (5) and Jeremiah Trotter (4).
Johnson also fostered the careers of Rams head coach Steve Spagnuolo, Ravens head coach John Harbaugh, Chargers defensive coordinator Ron Rivera and Vikings defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier -- all who served as defensive assistants for Philadelphia over the last decade.
"Jim meant the world to me, both personally and professionally," Spagnuolo said in a statement. "I am very blessed to have had the privilege to work for him and with him. The NFL has lost a good man."
The native of Maywood, Illinois had a journeyman's career since taking his first coaching position as head coach at Missouri Southern back in 1967. He also served time at various coaching positions at Drake, Indiana, Notre Dame, in the USFL, the St. Louis/Phoenix/Arizona Cardinals, and Indianapolis Colts.
