Jimmy Johnson: Wife| Super bowl wins| Coaching record| Why did leave dallas

Introduction

Jimmy Johnson stands as a titan in American football history—renowned for his unmatched achievements in both college and NFL, colorful personality, and a dramatic exit from the Dallas Cowboys. This article explores everything from his personal life to his championship victories, coaching stats, and the reasons behind his departure from one of the NFL’s most iconic franchises.

1. Personal Life & Wife

Jimmy Johnson’s personal life experienced significant chapters:

• In 1963, he married Linda Kay Cooper, with whom he had two sons. The couple later divorced in 1990.

• In 1999, Jimmy married Rhonda Rookmaaker, who had met him back in 1984 while working as a hairdresser near the University of Miami. They have no children together, but Rhonda became the stepmother to Johnson’s sons—Chad and Brent. Brent later became president of the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation, and Chad serves in the Florida House of Representatives and has publicly shared his journey overcoming alcoholism The Sun.

2. Super Bowl Wins & Landmark Achievements

Jimmy Johnson is the only coach to win both a College Football National Championship and a Super Bowl:

• College National Champion (1987): As head coach of the University of Miami, Johnson captured the NCAA national title.

• Super Bowl Victories:

  • Super Bowl XXVII (1992 season): Cowboys defeated the Buffalo Bills 52–17.

  • Super Bowl XXVIII (1993 season): Cowboys again beat the Bills, this time 30–13.

• This remarkable dual success cemented his legacy as the first coach to conquer championships at both levels.

3. Coaching Record: College & NFL

Collegiate Level:

• Head coach at Oklahoma State (1979–1983), then Miami (1984–1988), where he lifted Miami to a national championship and had a winning percentage of .852.

NFL Coaching Career:

• Coached Dallas Cowboys (1989–1994) and Miami Dolphins (1996–1999).

• NFL Coaching Record: Overall 80–64; Playoff record 9–4.

  • Cowboys tenure: Accumulated a 44–36 record over five seasons.

  • Dolphins tenure: Went 36–28.

• Awards & Honors:

  • AP NFL Coach of the Year (1990)

  • Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2020, the College Football Hall of Fame in 2012, and the Dallas Cowboys Ring of Honor in 2023.

4. Why He Left Dallas

Johnson’s departure from the Cowboys was as dramatic as his rise:

a) Power Struggle with Jerry Jones

• As coach, Johnson shared considerable control over personnel decisions with owner Jerry Jones, who acted as general manager. Over time, tensions grew as Jones sought more command over team operations.

• A famous flashpoint: At an owners’ meeting following their second consecutive Super Bowl win, Jones quipped that “500 coaches could have won with this team,” a remark Johnson interpreted as diminishing his role and success.

b) Personal Desire to Leave

• Johnson had lost passion for the role by that point; in his memoir, he admitted he was ready to move on and had been planning life post-Dallas—including property in South Florida.

• The following season, despite expectations of a third consecutive title, he chose to resign after the 1993 championship–markedly abrupt given his success.

c) Relationship Breakdown

• Their once-strong personal and professional bond deteriorated, culminating in explosive confrontations—including a confrontation after an owner’s toast, followed by a heated argument and eventual split eight days later.

• Barry Switzer, who succeeded Johnson, controversially claimed Johnson “cheated on” Jones metaphorically referring to disloyalty, amplifying public perception of betrayal.

d) Emotional Aftermath & Legacy

• Decades later, Johnson and Jones publicly reconciled. Johnson was inducted into the Cowboys Ring of Honor in 2023, with Jones acknowledging the split was mishandled and that Johnson’s inclusion was always warranted.

• Johnson himself reflected that leaving allowed him to rebuild family relationships he had neglected, and he holds no regrets.

• Former players such as Troy Aikman and Michael Irvin expressed enduring frustration that Johnson didn’t stay longer, believing the dynasty could have grown even more.

5. Legacy & Influence

• Beyond championships, Johnson transformed both programs and rosters with strategic trades, such as the Herschel Walker deal that netted key future stars like Emmitt Smith and Darren Woodson.

• Several of his assistants became head coaches, establishing a notable coaching tree.

• Post-coaching, Johnson enjoyed a successful broadcasting career with Fox NFL Sunday until his retirement from the network in 2025.

Conclusion

Jimmy Johnson’s story is one of unparalleled success, fierce independence, and legacy. From winning national and Super Bowl titles to reshaping franchises, his impact resonates deeply. Though his split with Jerry Jones remains one of the NFL’s most talked-about ruptures, time has allowed a broader recognition of his contributions. His personal satisfaction, restored family ties, and enduring football legacy confirm: he made the choices that were right—for him, and for the game.