45 Facts About Jimmy Johnson

Early Life and Education

Jimmy Johnson's journey to football greatness began in Port Arthur, Texas. His early years and education laid the foundation for his future success.

1. Early Life and Education: Jimmy Johnson was born in Port Arthur, Texas. He attended Port Arthur High School and later enrolled at the University of Arkansas, where he earned a degree in physical education.

Coaching Career Beginnings

Johnson's coaching career started modestly but quickly gained momentum as he demonstrated his talent and leadership.

2. Coaching Career: Johnson's coaching career began in 1965 as the defensive line coach at Louisiana Tech, where he later became the head coach in 1979 at Oklahoma State University.

3. College Coaching: Johnson's tenure at Oklahoma State University from 1979 to 1983 saw him compile a 29-25 record with two bowl appearances. This experience laid the foundation for his future success in college football.

University of Miami Success

Johnson's time at the University of Miami was transformative, turning the Hurricanes into a powerhouse.

4. University of Miami: In 1984, Johnson was hired by the University of Miami to replace Howard Schnellenberger. Initially met with skepticism by fans and media ("Jimmy who?"), Johnson transformed the Hurricanes into a dominant force in college football.

5. Miami's "Decade of Dominance": Under Johnson's leadership, the University of Miami experienced a period known as the "Decade of Dominance," during which they compiled a 52-9 record over five seasons. This era included winning one national championship in 1987 and appearing in five New Year's Day bowl games.

6. National Championship: In 1987, Johnson led the Miami Hurricanes to their first national championship under his tenure. This achievement cemented his reputation as a top-tier college football coach.

Dallas Cowboys Era

Johnson's move to the NFL with the Dallas Cowboys marked a new chapter of success and innovation.

7. Super Bowl Champion: After leaving Miami, Johnson became the head coach of the Dallas Cowboys in 1989. He is the first head football coach to win both a college football national championship and a Super Bowl, achieving the former with the University of Miami and the latter with the Dallas Cowboys.

8. Dallas Cowboys Tenure: Johnson's tenure with the Dallas Cowboys from 1989 to 1993 was marked by significant success. He led the team to consecutive Super Bowl victories in Super Bowl XXVII and Super Bowl XXVIII.

9. Super Bowl XXVII and XXVIII: The Cowboys' victories in Super Bowl XXVII and XXVIII under Johnson's leadership are some of the most memorable moments in NFL history. The team defeated the Buffalo Bills in both games.

10. Regular Season Dominance: During his time with the Cowboys, Johnson led the team to a remarkable 10-1 record in the regular season from December 1991 to December 1993. This streak also translated to a playoff record of 7-1 during those years.

11. Emmitt Smith's Success: When running back Emmitt Smith ran for 100 yards or more in a regular-season game, Johnson's teams had an impressive record of 24-1. In postseason games, this record improved to 5-0, with two Super Bowl wins.

12. NFL Coach of the Year: Johnson was named NFL Coach of the Year by at least one national outlet in three of his final four years with the Cowboys. His leadership and strategic decisions were instrumental in the team's success.

Hall of Fame and Media Career

After coaching, Johnson continued to influence football through his media presence and Hall of Fame recognition.

13. Pro Football Hall of Fame: In 2020, Jimmy Johnson was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame as part of its centennial class. This recognition solidified his place among the greatest coaches in NFL history.

14. FOX NFL SUNDAY Analyst: After retiring as a head coach, Johnson joined FOX Sports in April 1994 as an analyst on the then-fledgling FOX NFL SUNDAY pregame show. He remained in this role for its first two seasons before taking a break.

15. Return to FOX Sports: In 2002, Johnson resumed his analyst role on FOX NFL SUNDAY after a four-year stint as head coach of the Miami Dolphins. His insights and commentary have been highly regarded by football fans and analysts alike.

Miami Dolphins Tenure

Johnson's time with the Miami Dolphins added another chapter to his coaching legacy.

16. Miami Dolphins Tenure: Johnson's tenure with the Miami Dolphins from 1996 to 2000 saw him compile a 36-28 regular-season record and go 2-3 in five postseason games. He retired from the Dolphins on January 16, 2000.

17. Legacy at Miami Dolphins: During his time with the Dolphins, Johnson led the team to three playoff berths and established a strong foundation for future success.

Coaching Philosophy and Player Development

Johnson's approach to coaching and player development set him apart from his peers.

18. Coaching Philosophy: Johnson's coaching philosophy emphasizes the importance of discipline, hard work, and teamwork. He is known for his ability to motivate players and create a winning culture within his teams.

19. Player Development: One of Johnson's greatest strengths as a coach is his ability to develop players. He has a knack for identifying talent and helping players reach their full potential.

20. Strategic Genius: Johnson is renowned for his strategic genius on the field. He is known for making bold decisions and adjusting his game plan mid-season to counter opponents' strengths.

21. Leadership Style: Johnson's leadership style is characterized by his ability to inspire confidence in his players. He fosters an environment where players feel empowered to perform at their best.

Media Presence and Memoir

Beyond coaching, Johnson has made a significant impact through media and writing.

22. Media Presence: Beyond his coaching career, Johnson has maintained a strong media presence. He has been featured in various documentaries and has written several books about his experiences in football.

23. Memoir "Swagger": In November 2022, Johnson released his second book, "Swagger," a no-regrets memoir co-authored with veteran sports journalist Dave Hyde. The book provides insights into his extraordinary life and lessons on winning at every level.

Impact on Football Culture

Johnson's influence extends beyond his direct achievements, shaping football culture and inspiring future generations.

24. Impact on Football Culture: Jimmy Johnson's impact on football culture extends beyond his coaching achievements. He has influenced generations of coaches and players with his innovative strategies and leadership principles.

25. College Football Legacy: Johnson's legacy in college football is cemented by his time at the University of Miami. He transformed the Hurricanes into a powerhouse program that dominated the sport during the late 1980s.

26. NFL Legacy: In the NFL, Johnson's legacy is marked by his success with the Dallas Cowboys. He is one of only six head coaches in NFL history to guide a team to back-to-back Super Bowl wins.

Awards and Recognition

Johnson's career has been decorated with numerous awards and recognitions, highlighting his contributions to football.

27. Awards and Recognition: Throughout his career, Johnson has received numerous awards and recognition for his achievements. These include being named NFL Coach of the Year multiple times and being inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Television Career and Philanthropy

Johnson's post-coaching career has been marked by continued involvement in football and charitable activities.

28. Television Career: Beyond his role as an analyst on FOX NFL SUNDAY, Johnson has appeared in various television shows and documentaries. He has also been involved in several charity events and fundraising campaigns.

29. Philanthropy: Johnson is involved in several philanthropic activities, including supporting educational programs and youth sports initiatives. His commitment to giving back to the community reflects his values of hard work and dedication.

Coaching Tree and Influence

Johnson's influence can be seen in the success of other coaches and the ongoing impact of his strategies.

30. Coaching Tree: Johnson's coaching tree includes several notable coaches who have followed in his footsteps. These include Barry Switzer, who also won a national championship and a Super Bowl, and other successful coaches who have credited Johnson with their development.

31. Influence on Modern Coaches: Modern coaches often cite Jimmy Johnson as an influence on their own coaching philosophies. His innovative strategies and leadership principles continue to shape the way coaches approach the game today.

Player Relationships and Game-Day Decisions

Johnson's ability to build strong relationships with players and make crucial game-day decisions set him apart.

32. Player Relationships: Johnson is known for his ability to build strong relationships with his players. He has a reputation for being fair but demanding, which has earned him the respect of many players throughout his career.

33. Game-Day Decisions: One of Johnson's greatest strengths is his ability to make game-day decisions under pressure. He has a knack for adjusting his game plan mid-season to counter opponents' strengths and exploit their weaknesses.

Media Criticism and Personal Life

Despite facing media criticism, Johnson's resilience and personal values have defined his career.

34. Media Criticism: Despite his success, Johnson has faced criticism from the media over the years. However, he has consistently demonstrated resilience and a strong work ethic, which has allowed him to overcome these challenges.

35. Personal Life: Outside of football, Johnson is a private individual who values his personal life. He has been married to his wife, Cynthia, for many years and has two children.

Post-Retirement Activities and Legacy

Johnson's post-retirement activities and enduring legacy continue to inspire and influence the football world.

36. Post-Retirement Activities: After retiring from coaching, Johnson has remained active in the sports world. He continues to work as an analyst on FOX NFL SUNDAY and has been involved in various charity events and fundraising campaigns.

37. Legacy in Port Arthur: In his hometown of Port Arthur, Texas, Johnson is celebrated as a local hero. His achievements in football have inspired countless young athletes in the area and beyond.

Impact on Dallas Cowboys and Emmitt Smith's Tribute

Johnson's influence on the Dallas Cowboys and his relationship with Emmitt Smith highlight his lasting impact.

38. Impact on Dallas Cowboys: Johnson's tenure with the Dallas Cowboys had a profound impact on the franchise. He helped rebuild the team after the departure of Tom Landry and established a winning culture that continues to influence the team today.

39. Emmitt Smith's Tribute: Emmitt Smith, who played under Johnson during his time with the Cowboys, has often spoken about the impact Johnson had on his career. Smith credits Johnson with helping him develop into one of the greatest running backs in NFL history.

Memorable Games and Key Moments

Johnson's career is marked by several memorable games and key moments that defined his legacy.

40. Doug Flutie's "Hail Mary": One of the most memorable games of Johnson's career at Miami was against Boston College, where Doug Flutie's "Hail Mary" touchdown pass on the final play resulted in a 47-45 loss for the Hurricanes. This game is often cited as one of the greatest moments in college football history.

41. Frank Reich's Game: Another notable game during Johnson's tenure at Miami was against Maryland, where Frank Reich led the Terrapins to a comeback victory after the Hurricanes blew a 31-0 halftime lead. This game showcased Johnson's ability to adapt and overcome adversity.

Transition to Dallas Cowboys

Johnson's transition to the Dallas Cowboys marked a significant turning point in his career.

42. Howard Schnellenberger's Successor: When Johnson took over as head coach at Miami, he inherited a team that had just won its first national championship under Howard Schnellenberger. Johnson's task was to maintain this level of success and build upon it.

43. Jerry Jones' Purchase: Johnson's hiring by the Dallas Cowboys was facilitated by Jerry Jones, who purchased the franchise on February 25, 1989. This marked the beginning of a new era for the Cowboys under Johnson's leadership.

44. Tom Landry's Legacy: Johnson succeeded Tom Landry, who had been the original head coach of the Dallas Cowboys. Johnson's task was to rebuild the team and restore its winning tradition, which he accomplished with remarkable success.

Enduring Legacy

Jimmy Johnson's enduring legacy in football is a testament to his hard work, strategic genius, and leadership abilities.

45. Enduring Legacy: Jimmy Johnson's enduring legacy in football is a testament to his hard work, strategic genius, and leadership abilities. He continues to inspire coaches and players alike with his remarkable achievements both on and off the field.

Jimmy Johnson's Enduring Impact

Jimmy Johnson's career in football is nothing short of legendary. From his early days coaching at Louisiana Tech to leading the Dallas Cowboys to back-to-back Super Bowl victories, Johnson's influence on the sport is undeniable. His tenure at the University of Miami brought the Hurricanes to national prominence, while his time with the Cowboys solidified his status as one of the greatest coaches in NFL history. Beyond the field, Johnson's role as an analyst on FOX NFL SUNDAY and his philanthropic efforts show his commitment to the sport and community. His strategic genius, leadership style, and ability to develop players have left a lasting legacy. Johnson's story is one of hard work, resilience, and unparalleled success, inspiring future generations of coaches and players. His impact on football culture continues to be felt, making him a true icon in the world of sports.