Jimmy Johnson To Be Inducted Into College Football Hall Of Fame

The College Football Hall of Fame announced Jimmy Johnson will be inducted into its 2012 class

The man at the heart of the University of Miami's incredible run of dominance in the 1980's is getting his due.

The College Football Hall of Fame announced Jimmy Johnson will be inducted into its 2012 class.

Johnson coached the Hurricanes from 1984 to 1988 and led the Canes to a National Championship in 1987. Johnson led Miami while the Canes were kings of college football. With stars like Michael Irvin, Steve Walsh, Daniel Stubbs and Bennie Blades on his '87 title team, Johnson's squad knocked off six ranked opponents in winning UM's second national title. The Canes beat the Oklahoma Sooners in the Orange Bowl to secure Johnson's perfect 12-0 season and title with a 20-14 win.

Johnson also coached UM to one of its worst losses ever when the Canes lost to Penn State in the Fiesta Bowl in January 1987. UM got off their plane in Arizona wearing military fatigues, and Johnson seemed to feed into the swagger of the 80s Canes. Miami was a heavy favorite over Penn State but Heisman Trophy winner Vinny Testaverde had a terrible game as UM lost 14-10 (I know I will never get over that loss).

Johnson was also on the sidelines when Boston College's Doug Flutie threw his Hail Mary pass to beat UM 47-45 in 1984 (that must be one of the most replayed plays in the history of college football).

JJ left UM to coach the Dallas Cowboys after the 1988 season where UM narrowly missed out on back-to-back titles. UM lost 31-30 at Notre Dame in October (with help from several controversial calls from the officials) as the Fighting Irish won the '88 title. Miami finished second in the polls in '88.

Johnson led the Cowboys to two Super Bowl titles. JJ then ended his coaching career with the Miami Dolphins, leading Miami to three straight playoff appearances but never to the Super Bowl.

Canes fans will always be grateful to Jimmy Johnson's incredible run of dominance in the 80's and his support of the program to this day.
 

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