John Robinson among those cheering Rams’ return

(Bernstein Associates / Getty Images)

When the Rams left Southern California for St. Louis after the 1994 NFL season, John Robinson thought the franchise was gone forever.

The former Rams and USC coach never anticipated the team would return to Los Angeles and possibly play in the Coliseum.

“Hell no,” he said, laughing.

The NFL this week approved the Rams’ relocation to the Southland for the 2016 season. The team is expected to play three seasons at the Coliseum before moving into a new stadium in Inglewood before the 2019 season.

Robinson, 80, said he was “excited about the Rams coming back” and joked that he was prepared for their arrival.

“I saved all my Rams gear,” he said. “I went and got it out again.”

Robinson was USC’s coach for seven seasons before he succeeded Ray Malavasi as the Rams’ coach in 1983. He compiled a 79-74 record (including the playoffs) and led the Rams, who played home games at Anaheim Stadium, to two NFC title games.

“Most of it was good times,” he said.

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