Jim Johnson out as D-Coordinator

[football junkie]

Due to a spinal tumor, Jim Johnson, perhaps the very best defensive coordinator of the last decade has been forced to step down from his position with the Eagles. It is a sad time but hopefully Johnson's health will improve and we'll have him around Philly for a long while to come.

He has been replaced by Sean McDermott, who as been with the Eagles since 1998 and spent two years as assistant head coach. McDermott is likely the most familiar person with Johnson's defense, other than the real McCoy himself. For more see ...

http://www.nfl.com/news/story?id=09000d5d81178cb9&template=without-video-with-comments&confirm=true

PHILADELPHIA -- New Philadelphia Eagles defensive coordinator Sean McDermott has learned too much from Jim Johnson -- in life and football -- to discuss in one news conference.

"What haven't I learned from Jim?" McDermott said Saturday upon being introduced as Johnson's replacement. "I don't think it would be fair to Jim, in this setting, to try and limit in one statement, one press conference, the effect that Jim has had on my life."

[football junkie]

Jim Johnson, 68, died today, bringing a sad ending to his valiant struggle.

http://views.washingtonpost.com/theleague/nflnewsfeed/2009/07/eagles-jim-johnson-dies.html
Former Philadelphia Eagles defensive coordinator Jim Johnson died Tuesday afternoon, the Eagles announced.

Johnson was 68 and had been on a leave of absence from the team to undergo cancer treatments.

He was regarded as one of the NFL's top defensive minds during 22 years as an assistant coach and joined the staff of Eagles Coach Andy Reid in January 1999. Opponents were befuddled by his creative blitz packages, and his players praised his straightforward approach.

But his health deteriorated in recent months and he was relegated to coaching from a motorized cart. The Eagles announced in the offseason that he was taking a leave of absence and named secondary coach Sean McDermott their interim defensive coordinator. The interim tag was removed from McDermott's title just before training camp opened.

According to the Eagles, Johnson is survived by his wife Vicky, two children and four grandchildren.

[ATLFalcons]

R.I.P. the Eagles D has always been tough because of Jim Johnson.