UNLV mourns the loss of legendary football coach John Robinson

Legendary football coach John Robinson, who led the UNLV program for six seasons, died Monday at age 89 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, of complications from pneumonia.

Robinson, who also served as UNLV’s director of athletics in 2002-03, compiled a 28-42 record with the Rebels from 1999-2004, including earning Mountain West Coach of the Year honors in 2000. That squad finished 8-5 after a memorable 31-14 victory over Arkansas in the Las Vegas Bowl at Sam Boyd Stadium. The win over the Razorbacks gave Robinson the best winning percentage (.888) in NCAA bowl history at the time for anyone with at least eight appearances (8-1).

“Football lost a legend today,” UNLV Director of Athletics Erick Harper said. “Coach Robinson was revered by his players, peers, fans and colleagues. He led a wonderful life on and off the football field in 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.”

A former two-time head coach at USC, Robinson guided the Trojans to the 1978 national championship while compiling a 104-35-4 record over 12 years (1976-82 and 1993-97). He also served as head coach of the NFL’s Los Angeles Rams (1983-91), twice advancing to the NFC title game.

Robinson was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2009, the Rose Bowl Hall of Fame in 2004 and the USC Athletic Hall of Fame in 2009. He was also a member of the inaugural class of the Las Vegas Bowl Hall of Fame in 2011 and entered the Cotton Bowl Hall of Fame in 2018.

After retiring from UNLV, Robinson went into college football radio broadcasting and was a development officer in USC’s athletic department. He also served as a senior consultant with the LSU football program when the Tigers won the 2019 national title.

Robinson is survived by his wife Beverly, his four children (daughters Terry Medina and Lynne Sierra and sons David and Chris) and two stepchildren (Jennifer Bohle and Jeffrey Ezell) and 10 grandchildren (Raimond, Reanne, Andrew, Matthew, Jeremy, Ryan, Jason, Pierce, Preston and Evangeline).

Following Robinson’s wishes, a celebration of life will be held after the college football season.