Legendary Eagles defensive coordinator Jim Johnson passed away 13 years ago today at the age of 68 after a battle with cancer. He spent 10 seasons on the sidelines in Philadelphia from 1999-2008. He also spent time coaching three other NFL franchises, two USFL franchises, and the University of Notre Dame.
All great head coaches need capable coordinators to control the side of the ball where they lack expertise, and Andy Reid struck gold when he hired Johnson in 1999. Reid’s initial choice was Marvin Lewis. The future Cincinnati Bengals head coach turned down the offer and inadvertently changed the course of Eagles history.