Johnson cornerstone of Eagles' successful decade
BETHLEHEM, Pa. –- When Andy Reid became coach of the Philadelphia Eagles in 1999, he made two personnel decisions that shaped the NFL franchise for the next decade and beyond.
To run his offense, he drafted quarterback Donovan McNabb.
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| From 2000-08, Johnson's defenses were second in the NFL in sacks. (AP) |
That's why Reid talked about Johnson's legacy on Tuesday. Johnson died after a six-month battle with cancer. He was 68.
"When people talk about the Andy Reid regime here, that wouldn't have been possible without Jim," Reid said. "I think we all understand that. He really represented everything this city is about -- toughness and grit. And that's the way he fought this cancer."
• Johnson dies at 68 | Prisco: NFL loses a good one
Johnson was initially diagnosed with melanoma, but the cancer spread and eventually metastasized to his spine. That forced him to take a leave of absence this spring and as the cancer continued to spread he stepped down as defensive coordinator last week, replaced by protégé Sean McDermott.
"As an integral part of the Eagles family, Jim epitomized the traits of what a great coach should be -- a teacher, a leader and a winner," Eagles owner Jeff Lurie said. "He positively touched the lives of so many people in and out of the Eagles organization."
Johnson could be gruff with his players and he was always demanding, but he was still universally liked and respected by them.
Safety Brian Dawkins played under Johnson for 10 years before signing as a free agent with Denver this offseason.
"He was a tough coach who wasn't afraid to let you know how he was feeling," Dawkins said in a statement. "At the same time, he cared about us deeply."
Said Reid: "He was sincere. He shot 'em straight, and that's what players want."
And even though Johnson and Reid came from different backgrounds and coached on different sides of the line of scrimmage, they formed a partnership that lasted 10 years and made it to the playoffs seven times, the NFC Championship Game five times, including last year, and the Super Bowl once.
"We were different personalities," Reid said. "But it worked."
Johnson spent 22 years as an NFL assistant, also working for the Arizona Cardinals, Indianapolis Colts and Seattle Seahawks. But it was with the Eagles that he made his reputation as one of the top defensive coaches in the NFL, mainly because of his innovative blitzing schemes.
"Seek and destroy," Reid said with a smile. "That was his mentality."
From 2000-08, Johnson's defenses ranked second in the NFL in sacks (390), third-down efficiency (34 percent) and red-zone touchdown percentage (43.9 percent) and they were also fourth in fewest points allowed (17.7 per game).
And he was a mentor to young coaches. Four of his former assistants have made their marks with other NFL franchises, including John Harbaugh, the head coach of the Baltimore Ravens, and Steve Spagnuolo, recently named as head coach of the St. Louis Rams. Two other assistants are now defensive coordinators -- Ron Rivera with the San Diego Chargers and Leslie Frazier with the Minnesota Vikings.
"I loved Jim Johnson," Harbaugh said in a statement. "Jim was a tremendous teacher of football and life. He had a special ability to bring out the best in people while getting you to see the best in yourself. He made me believe I could coach at this level.
"He belongs in the Hall of Fame. I will miss him so much."
