Post by EagleGene on May 20, 2005 6:35:21 GMT -5
Jim Johnson's new deal: 4 more years with Birds
By Bob Brookover, Inquirer Staff Writer
When listing the order of importance for the Eagles' rise to the rank of perennial Super Bowl contender, it doesn't take long to get to the name of the defensive coordinator.
Jim Johnson is that vital to this team's success.
The Eagles acknowledged that fact again yesterday by giving Johnson a four-year contract extension that likely will keep him around through the 2010 season. Johnson had signed a four-year deal through 2006 after the 2002 season.
"As I've said many times, Jim Johnson is the best in the business at what he does," Eagles coach Andy Reid said in a statement. "His defensive units continue to produce at a very high level as he puts a lot of pressure on opposing offenses. Jim is a valuable member of the Eagles organization and we're happy to keep him here for the next several years."
Johnson, who will turn 64 in six days, has been arguably the most valuable member of an Eagles defense that has endured its share of personnel changes during his tenure. All-pro safety Brian Dawkins has been the only continual starter on the Eagles' defense since 1999, the year Johnson took over as the defensive coordinator and Reid took over as the head coach.
"The most important thing you can do in this league is secure and pay good coaches," said Bob LaMonte, the agent for Johnson, Reid and offensive coordinator Brad Childress. "In my opinion, that's why the Eagles are one of the most stable organizations in the NFL."
In the last 81/2 months, LaMonte has secured contract extensions for Reid, Johnson and Childress. Reid and Johnson are signed through the 2010 season and Childress is signed through 2008.
This contract extension likely will allow Johnson to retire with the Eagles, unless he decides to continue coaching beyond the age of 69.
"I think he has a tremendous loyalty to Andy Reid," LaMonte said. "Not only Andy, but the Eagles organization, and they've stepped to the plate and returned that loyalty."
LaMonte declined to reveal details of the extension, but it is believed to be worth more than $1.3 million, which would make him the highest-paid defensive coordinator in the league and better paid than some head coaches.
"This is certainly an elite contract," LaMonte said.
Johnson is unquestionably an elite defensive coordinator. In the last five seasons, the Eagles have allowed 1,241 points, the lowest total in the NFL during that period. In four of the last five seasons, they have ranked in the top 10 in total defense and they never have ranked lower than seventh in points allowed during that time.
Johnson's defense, which consists of a series of elaborate blitz schemes, also has registered a league-high 236 sacks in the last five years.
"He's special," LaMonte said. "He's renowned as a guru on defense. He's often talked about and often quoted. I think, for Andy Reid, this move completed the puzzle, staffing-wise. He knows that he's going to be there through 2010 and Jim is going to be there with him."
With Johnson running the defense and Reid in charge of the offense, the Eagles have been to the playoffs five consecutive years and reached the NFC championship game four straight years. They fell three points shy of winning their first Super Bowl in February, and that remains the primary motivation for Johnson.
"I'm very happy to stay with Andy Reid and the Philadelphia Eagles," Johnson said in a statement. "I love the city of Philadelphia. We've had a great run here and we want to keep it going. We're focused on getting back to the Super Bowl and winning it."
Contact staff writer Bob Brookover at 215-854-2577 or bbrookover@phillynews.com.
Updated on Friday, May 20, 2005 3:34 am EDT
By Bob Brookover, Inquirer Staff Writer
When listing the order of importance for the Eagles' rise to the rank of perennial Super Bowl contender, it doesn't take long to get to the name of the defensive coordinator.
Jim Johnson is that vital to this team's success.
The Eagles acknowledged that fact again yesterday by giving Johnson a four-year contract extension that likely will keep him around through the 2010 season. Johnson had signed a four-year deal through 2006 after the 2002 season.
"As I've said many times, Jim Johnson is the best in the business at what he does," Eagles coach Andy Reid said in a statement. "His defensive units continue to produce at a very high level as he puts a lot of pressure on opposing offenses. Jim is a valuable member of the Eagles organization and we're happy to keep him here for the next several years."
Johnson, who will turn 64 in six days, has been arguably the most valuable member of an Eagles defense that has endured its share of personnel changes during his tenure. All-pro safety Brian Dawkins has been the only continual starter on the Eagles' defense since 1999, the year Johnson took over as the defensive coordinator and Reid took over as the head coach.
"The most important thing you can do in this league is secure and pay good coaches," said Bob LaMonte, the agent for Johnson, Reid and offensive coordinator Brad Childress. "In my opinion, that's why the Eagles are one of the most stable organizations in the NFL."
In the last 81/2 months, LaMonte has secured contract extensions for Reid, Johnson and Childress. Reid and Johnson are signed through the 2010 season and Childress is signed through 2008.
This contract extension likely will allow Johnson to retire with the Eagles, unless he decides to continue coaching beyond the age of 69.
"I think he has a tremendous loyalty to Andy Reid," LaMonte said. "Not only Andy, but the Eagles organization, and they've stepped to the plate and returned that loyalty."
LaMonte declined to reveal details of the extension, but it is believed to be worth more than $1.3 million, which would make him the highest-paid defensive coordinator in the league and better paid than some head coaches.
"This is certainly an elite contract," LaMonte said.
Johnson is unquestionably an elite defensive coordinator. In the last five seasons, the Eagles have allowed 1,241 points, the lowest total in the NFL during that period. In four of the last five seasons, they have ranked in the top 10 in total defense and they never have ranked lower than seventh in points allowed during that time.
Johnson's defense, which consists of a series of elaborate blitz schemes, also has registered a league-high 236 sacks in the last five years.
"He's special," LaMonte said. "He's renowned as a guru on defense. He's often talked about and often quoted. I think, for Andy Reid, this move completed the puzzle, staffing-wise. He knows that he's going to be there through 2010 and Jim is going to be there with him."
With Johnson running the defense and Reid in charge of the offense, the Eagles have been to the playoffs five consecutive years and reached the NFC championship game four straight years. They fell three points shy of winning their first Super Bowl in February, and that remains the primary motivation for Johnson.
"I'm very happy to stay with Andy Reid and the Philadelphia Eagles," Johnson said in a statement. "I love the city of Philadelphia. We've had a great run here and we want to keep it going. We're focused on getting back to the Super Bowl and winning it."
Contact staff writer Bob Brookover at 215-854-2577 or bbrookover@phillynews.com.
Updated on Friday, May 20, 2005 3:34 am EDT