From 2000-08, Mr. Johnson’s Philadelphia defenses ranked second in the NFL in sacks (390). During his 10-year tenure, the Eagles made the playoffs seven times and he produced 26 Pro Bowl selections.
“This whole Eagles-Andy Reid regime here that’s taken place wouldn’t have been possible without Jim,’’ said Andy Reid, who hired Mr. Johnson to be his defensive coordinator shortly after he got his first head coaching job with the Eagles in 1999.
“I’m not sure there’s a person that I’ve met that isn’t a Jim Johnson fan,’’ Reid said. “He really represented everything this city is all about with his toughness and grit. That’s the way he fought this cancer.’’
Coaches across the league paid homage to Mr. Johnson’s impact on their careers and the league.
“I loved Jim Johnson,’’ said Ravens coach John Harbaugh, an Eagles assistant for nine seasons. “He had a special ability to bring out the best in people while getting you to see the best in yourself. He saw potential and developed it. He made me believe I could coach at this level. In football, he was a pioneering and brilliant strategist, changing the way defense is played in the NFL. For me, he was a father-type mentor, and above all, a cherished friend. He belongs in the Hall of Fame. I will miss him so much.’’
Earlier this week, the team said Sean McDermott would replace Mr. Johnson.
Mr. Johnson had been treated for melanoma in 2001. In January, he complained of back pain and coached from the press box in the Eagles’ playoff win over the New York Giants and in the loss to the Arizona Cardinals in the NFC championship.
Following the Arizona loss, the team said the cancer had returned.
Before joining the Eagles, Mr. Johnson had served as defensive coordinator for the University of Notre Dame, the Arizona Cardinals, and the Indianapolis Colts.
