In Loving Memory
Coach Bob Johnson
1945 — 2026
Memorial Service
Public Celebration of Life
Saturday, April 25, 2026
1:00 PM
Mission Viejo High School Gym
25025 Chrisanta Drive, Mission Viejo, CA 92691
We recommend bringing a seat pad for the bleachers.
A Legendary Career
Coach Bob Johnson retired from coaching high school football in 2017 after a career that included winning six Southern Section football titles at Mission Viejo and three at El Toro. With 338 career wins, he became the second-winningest coach in Orange County history and among the top five in California state history.
Over the course of his career, he coached an estimated 10,000 young men. He helped more than 200 players earn college scholarships and gave dozens the opportunity to play professionally. He believed the real work was shaping young men beyond the game.
He valued everyone who made the program what it was — the coaches, equipment staff, trainers, parents, administration, student body, and boosters. He knew success was built by all of them and shied away from any recognition.
By the Numbers
338
Career Wins
8
CIF Championships
2015
State Championship
10,000+
Players Coached
200+
College Scholarships
19
League Titles
Honors & Recognition
A Family Tradition
Family always came first. Bob coached both of his sons, winning two CIF championships at El Toro High School with his oldest son, Bret, at quarterback. Both sons, Rob and Bret, were standout high school athletes before enrolling at USC and UCLA, respectively. Rob went on to play 10 years in the NFL.
Later, both sons joined their father, calling plays alongside him at Mission Viejo High School. Together, the three of them won two more CIF championships at Mission Viejo, with his grandson Brock at quarterback — proudly wearing number 11.
Today, Rob continues coaching at Mission Viejo, where the tradition lives on with his oldest son, Bo, now wearing number 11.
Bob is survived by his greatest cheerleader, high school sweetheart, and wife of 58 years, Debbie; his sons Bret and his wife Chalene, and Rob and his wife Dana; his sister Linda; and his grandchildren Brock, Cierra, Tatum, Presley, Bo, and Duke.
Remembering Coach Johnson
In Lieu of Flowers
If you'd like to honor Bob, the family asks that you consider donating in his memory, supporting the Mission Viejo High School football program, or contributing to an Alzheimer's foundation.
For the thousands of young men who passed through his program — you gave him so much pride. You were never just players to him. You were the reason.