Former Eagles defensive coordinator Jim Johnson has died from cancer. He was 68.
“For ten years, Jim Johnson was an exceptional coach for the Philadelphia Eagles, but more importantly, he was an outstanding human being,” Eagles chairman Jeffrey Lurie said in a statement. “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. He positively touched the lives of so many people in and out of the Eagles organization. It was easy to feel close to him. Our hearts go out to his wife, Vicky and his wonderful family. We will miss him greatly.”
Johnson, who overcame melanoma in 2001, experienced back problems late last season and went for tests that revealed the metastasized tumor on his spine, just after the Birds' second-round playoff victory at the Giants. The MRI results were confirmed just after the 32-25 loss to Arizona in the NFC Championship Game. The Eagles announced Johnson had cancer during Super Bowl week.
Johnson returned for some of the Eagles' spring minicamps and was riding a motorized scooter on the practice field.
The Eagles announced May 18 that Johnson would take a leave of absence and did not announce a return date. The team named Sean McDermott the defensive coordinator on Saturday. Continue