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Mission Viejo Today
By the People, for the People
Hall of Fame High School Football Coach Bob Johnson Dies
Johnson won 338 games and six Southern Section titles before retiring in 2017.
Mar. 11, 2026 at 9:25pm
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Bob Johnson, a legendary high school football coach who won 338 games and six Southern Section titles at El Toro and Mission Viejo high schools, has died at the age of 80 after battling Alzheimer's disease.
Why it matters
Johnson was one of the most successful high school football coaches in California history, helping to build powerhouse programs at El Toro and Mission Viejo. His passing marks the end of an era for high school football in Orange County.
The details
Johnson coached for over four decades, leading El Toro to three Southern Section titles and Mission Viejo to six. He retired after the 2017 season and was inducted into the California High School Football Hall of Fame in 2023. Both of Johnson's sons, Rob and Bret, were standout high school quarterbacks who went on to play at USC and UCLA respectively, with Rob making it to the NFL.
- Bob Johnson passed away early Wednesday morning, March 11, 2026.
- Johnson retired after the 2017 high school football season.
- Johnson was inducted into the California High School Football Hall of Fame in 2023.
The players
Bob Johnson
A Hall of Fame high school football coach who won 338 games and six Southern Section titles at El Toro and Mission Viejo high schools before retiring in 2017.
Rob Johnson
One of Bob Johnson's sons, who was a standout high school quarterback before playing at USC and making it to the NFL.
Bret Johnson
One of Bob Johnson's sons, who was a standout high school quarterback before playing at UCLA.
Chad Johnson
The current football coach at Mission Viejo High School.
What they’re saying
“I feel for the family.”
— Chad Johnson, Mission Viejo High School Football Coach
The takeaway
Bob Johnson's passing marks the end of an era for high school football in Orange County. He built two powerhouse programs and was one of the most successful coaches in California history, leaving a lasting legacy on the sport.
