Jimmy Johnson is officially done with FOX Sports. The Hall of Fame coach, who led the Dallas Cowboys to back-to-back Super Bowl wins and won a college national championship with the Miami Hurricanes, announced his retirement on The Herd with Colin Cowherd.
“The most fun I ever had in my career, that’s counting Super Bowls and national championships, was at Fox Sports,” Johnson said. “But I’ve made an extremely difficult decision. I’ve been thinking about it for the last four or five years and I’ve decided to retire from Fox. I’m going to miss it. I’m going to miss all the guys. I’ll see them occasionally. It’s been a great run starting 31 years ago.”
At 81, Johnson has been part of FOX Sports for 25 of its 31 years. He helped launch FOX NFL Sunday, took a break to coach the Miami Dolphins, and returned in 2002. Now, he’s stepping away for good.
When FOX NFL Sunday debuted in 1994, it wasn’t just another pregame show. It was bigger, louder, and, most importantly, fun. Johnson, alongside Terry Bradshaw, Howie Long, and Curt Menefee, helped set the standard for how NFL pregame shows are done. His mix of sharp analysis, blunt takes, and that signature smirk made him one of the most recognizable faces on the panel.
FOX Sports CEO Eric Shanks summed it up perfectly:
“Jimmy Johnson was there when FOX NFL Sunday came on-air for the first time 31 years ago, and since then has been a cherished member of our Fox Sports family, which makes today’s retirement news bittersweet. Jimmy served as an inspiration to generations of football fans with his legendary swagger, one-of-a-kind insight, and signature humor.”
Johnson wasn’t just showing up and reading scripts. He made the weekly cross-country flight from Key West to Los Angeles for years. Eventually, he cut back on travel, only flying in when FOX had a doubleheader. But even working remotely, his presence was huge.
Curt Menefee recalled how Johnson had nearly retired before but hesitated. This time, it felt final.
“The reason he did decide to come back before was because there was a hesitation. This time he was 100 percent confident that this is the right thing for him to do at this time and with his family.”
Howie Long, who worked with Johnson for decades, made it clear—FOX got it right from the start.
“We caught lightning in a bottle. Chemistry is hard to forecast and duplicate. We came out of the gate at number one and it’s been that way for 31 years. We’ve grown to love one another.”
Johnson’s retirement isn’t just about his TV career. His history with the Dallas Cowboys is one of the most dramatic coach-owner fallouts in NFL history.
Johnson took over the Cowboys in 1989. He built them from the ground up, trading Herschel Walker for a haul of draft picks and turning the team into a powerhouse. In 1992 and 1993, Dallas won back-to-back Super Bowls. Then, it all fell apart.
His relationship with Cowboys owner Jerry Jones imploded. Jones wanted more credit. Johnson wasn’t giving it to him. The power struggle ended with Johnson walking away, and Barry Switzer stepping in. The Cowboys won another Super Bowl in 1995, but the dynasty was never the same.
For years, Johnson was left out of the Cowboys’ Ring of Honor—a move that felt petty given what he built. That changed on December 30, 2023, when Jones finally added him to the exclusive club.
Michael Strahan, who worked alongside Johnson for 17 seasons on FOX NFL Sunday, sent him off with a heartfelt message:
“It has been 17 seasons of fun and laughs sitting next to you. You’re truly one of a kind and thanks for being you and gifting me with one of the best friendships anyone could ever ask for. Hope you enjoy fishing and drinking beers on the boat. You deserve it, love you Coach!”
Johnson’s response? Simple. “Michael, going to miss sitting next to you but I’ll be watching.”
From Super Bowls to college championships to shaping FOX Sports, Johnson leaves behind a career that few can match.
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