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Jimmy Johnson, a Hall of Fame coach with two Super Bowl titles and a college football national championship, has officially retired from Fox Sports after spending most of the network’s 31 years covering the NFL.
The 81-year-old announced his decision Monday on The Herd with Colin Cowherd.
“The most fun I ever had in my career—that’s counting Super Bowls and national championships—was at Fox Sports,” Johnson said. “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. It’s been a great run starting 31 years ago.”
A Fox Sports Original
Johnson joined Fox NFL Sunday in 1994, helping launch the network’s pregame show alongside Terry Bradshaw, Howie Long, and Curt Menefee. He spent two seasons on the panel before stepping away to coach the Miami Dolphins.
After five seasons in Miami, he returned to Fox Sports in 2002 and remained a key figure for more than two decades.
“Jimmy Johnson was there when Fox NFL Sunday came on-air for the first time 31 years ago,” said Fox Sports CEO Eric Shanks. “He served as an inspiration to generations of football fans with his legendary swagger, one-of-a-kind insight, and signature humor.”
For years, Johnson traveled weekly from his home in Key West, Florida, to Los Angeles. Recently, he worked remotely most weeks, only traveling when Fox had a doubleheader Sunday.
Unbreakable Bonds with Fox Colleagues
Johnson’s departure leaves a major void in the Fox NFL Sunday lineup. His longtime co-hosts reflected on their years together.
“We caught lightning in a bottle,” Long said. “Chemistry is hard to forecast and duplicate. We came out of the gate at No. 1, and it’s been that way for 31 years. We’ve grown to love one another. And the thing I go back to is what I said to him as he were walking off the field [at the Super Bowl]. I’ve never seen him this happy.”
Menefee recalled how Johnson nearly retired two years ago, even having a farewell dinner, but ultimately decided to return.
“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.”
Strahan shared a tribute on X (formerly Twitter):
“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 responded:
“Michael, going to miss sitting next to you, but I’ll be watching.”
A Legendary Football Career
Johnson began coaching as an assistant at Louisiana Tech in 1965 before earning his first head coaching job at Oklahoma State in 1979.
At Miami (1984-1988), he led the Hurricanes to a 52-9 record and a national championship in 1987. His success led to the Dallas Cowboys hiring him in 1989, where he built a dynasty and won back-to-back Super Bowls in 1992 and 1993.
After leaving Dallas, Johnson coached the Miami Dolphins (1996-1999) before stepping away from the sideline for good.
His place in football history became official in 2020, when he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
One of Fox Sports’ Most Emotional Moments
Fox played a major role in one of the defining moments of Johnson’s career—his Hall of Fame induction announcement.
During halftime of an NFC Divisional Round game in 2020, the panel surprised Johnson with the news on live television. Overwhelmed with emotion, he struggled to find words.
“I don’t think there’s anything that we have done in the 31 years of Fox Sports has been remotely close to that, because I think not only did it mean so much to Jimmy, you saw how much it meant to the people who care about Jimmy,” Menefee said. “I think everything that Fox Sports is got encapsulated in that one moment for the whole world to see.”
What’s Next for Johnson?
With his broadcasting days behind him, Johnson plans to spend more time fishing and boating in Key West.
After decades in coaching and television, he leaves the game on his own terms—just as he always wanted.
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This report used information from ESPN.
