Jimmy Johnson is one of the most respected coaches in college football and the NFL, but he had a humble beginning. He got his first head-coaching opportunity in 1979 at Oklahoma State. In five seasons, he finished with a 29-25-3 record.
So when the University of Miami hired him in 1984, Johnson faced a very different situation, with questions raised over the hire.
Reporter Reveals How Media Treated Jimmy Johnson’s Appointment in Miami
During his recent appearance on Pro Football Network’s “Unguarded Access” podcast, Segal explained how sports coverage worked before social media changed the conversation.
Segal said his ‘Freezing Cold Takes’ collection includes a section built around definitive declarations, where journalists confidently predicted that a team or player would never accomplish something.
Segal recalled Johnson’s Miami hiring became one of those moments because the initial reaction looked nothing like the legacy he eventually created.
“In 1984, Jimmy Johnson was hired by Miami,” Segal said. “It was in May, and a weird time to be hired. The Miami Herald and the Miami News and the reporters and the boosters were not happy about it.”
The podcast then showed some clips of how the media viewed Johnson before he had a chance to prove himself.
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“Part of his new job will be convincing the fans he’s a winner,” a reporter said in that clip. “Now students here at the University of Miami would be the first to admit that Jimmy Johnson is no Howard Schnellenberger, at least not yet. Still, those we spoke with tonight welcomed the appointment of the new head coach.”
The same report also showed that the reaction was not completely negative. Some supporters believed Johnson could bring something fresh to Miami.
“He’s got tough shoes to fill, that’s for sure. He has an impressive background and record,” one person said.
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Another added, “Usually when you have someone new come in, it gives you maybe inspiration to try something different. I think it’s a good move. Like I say, I’m just glad we have the coach now.”
When Johnson arrived in Miami, he inherited the team from Howard Schnellenberger, who had just delivered the Hurricanes their first national championship before leaving for the USFL.
Around South Florida, Schnellenberger had become almost larger than life. He had built the program from the ground up, making his departure especially difficult for the supporters.
Replacing him with an outsider who had no South Florida connections felt like a major step backward.
Locals preferred someone already familiar with the program, with defensive coordinator Tom Olivadotti among the names they wanted promoted. Instead, Miami turned to Johnson.
To make matters worse, Johnson initially had to keep Schnellenberger’s staff, creating tension inside the building and adding to an already uneasy atmosphere.
Then Johnson’s first season was also very uneven, with an 8-5 record. The Hurricanes finished the season with three consecutive losses, giving doubters plenty of ammunition.
However, the man once viewed as a strange hire ultimately became one of the program’s defining figures. He won the 1987 National Championship with the team.
In just five seasons, Johnson rebuilt Miami around a 52-9 overall record.
Because of his influence, Miami honored Johnson by placing him in the University of Miami Football Ring of Honor as part of the Class of 2023.
