Jimmy Johnson is ready for life after football.
The legendary coach and Fox studio analyst announced on “The Herd with Colin Cowherd” that he is retiring after 31 years with the network.
Johnson won the national championship at Miami in 1987 and two Super Bowls with the Cowboys in 1993 and 1994, becoming the first coach to win both.
“As you know, probably the most fun I’ve ever had in my career, and that’s counting Super Bowls and national championships, was at Fox Sports,” Johnson said. “I have an absolute ball with my friends on the set, and the best friends I’ve ever had there with Fox. And I’ll tell you on top of that, I love working for Eric Shanks, our CEO, and our producer Bill Richards, 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, and I’m going to miss it. I’m going to miss all the guys, and I’ll see them occasionally, but it has been a great run starting back 31 years ago.”
Fox Sports CEO Eric Shanks later confirmed Johnson’s retirement.
“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. From his motivating pep talks to his unmatched energy over the years, he was our coach who always pushed us to be better.
“We’re incredibly grateful for his contributions in making Fox NFL Sunday the top pregame show on TV, where we shared countless memorable moments, highlighted by surprising him live on-air with the news he was being inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame—an occasion we will never forget. Coach will be sincerely missed and we wish him the best as he sets sail into retirement, like only Jimmy Johnson can.”
The departure of the 81-year-old Johnson isn’t all that surprising, especially with Fox leaning into younger talent like Greg Olson, Rob Gronkowski and Tom Brady in recent seasons.
Fox also released a tribute to Johnson in the hours leading up to Super Bowl LIX that now can be viewed as a farewell. He was visibly emotional on set in New Orleans.
Johnson is tied for 61st all time in NFL coaching wins, but his victories were significant.
He was inducted to the College Football Hall of Fame in 2012, the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2020, and the Dallas Cowboys Ring of Honor in 2023.
Fox has not announced a direct replacement for Johnson on “Fox NFL Sunday,” which also features host Curt Menefee and analysts Terry Bradshaw, Howie Long, Michael Strahan and Gronkowski, among others.
