Super Bowl winning and Hall of Fame coach Jimmy Johnson has spent the past 30 plus years as a member of the NFL FOX Sports crew.
On March 3 the 81 year old Johnson announced that he is retiring. Johnson was among the original crew that went on the air 31 years ago when FOX began broadcasting NFL games.
Speaking on his decision Johnson said, “the most fun I ever had in my career, that’s counting Super Bowls and national championships, was at Fox Sports; adding that he loved working for CEO Eric Shanks and Fox NFL Sunday producer Bill Richards.”
He added, “but I’ve made an extremely difficult decision. I’ve been thinking about it for the last four or five years and I’ve decided to retire from Fox. I’m going to miss it. I’m going to miss all the guys. I’ll see them occasionally. It’s been a great run starting 31 years ago.”
Johnson spent two stints with at FOX for the pre-game show spending five seasons as the head coach and general manager of the Miami Dolphins.
CEO Eric Shanks spoke on Johnson saying, “Jimmy Johnson was there when Fox NFL Sunday came on-air for the first time 31 years ago, and since then has been a cherished member of our Fox Sports family, which makes today’s retirement news bittersweet. Jimmy served as an inspiration to generations of football fans with his legendary swagger, one-of-a-kind insight and signature humor.”
Johnson toyed with retiring two years ago but decided to return. FOX Sports host Curt Menefee noted that Johnson told him of the decision last week saying, “the reason he did decide to come back before was because there was a hesitation. This time he was 100 percent confident that this is the right thing for him to do at this time and with his family,” Menefee said. “I think we all hope we get to go out into the sunset the way that we want, and he certainly has been able to do that.”
Michael Strahan posted on social media saying, it has been 17 seasons of fun and laughs sitting next to you. You’re truly one of a kind and thanks for being you and gifting me with one of the best friendships anyone could ever ask for. Hope you enjoy fishing and drinking beers on the boat. You deserve it, love you Coach!”
Johnson’s credits include a national championship with the Miami Hurricanes and two Super Bowl wins with the Dallas Cowboys. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2020 and in 2023 he was added to the Dallas Cowboys Ring of Honor.
His coaching career began in 1965 at Louisiana Tech (Terry Bradshaw’s alma mater). He also coached at Oklahoma State.