That experience must have made him realize that football was keeping him from being with his family when they needed him most. I guess he realized that he won't be able to get back the hours he didn't spend with his mom when she was alive. I guess his father's battle with cancer and his decision to marry again made him realize that some things are more important than getting to the Super Bowl. But what Johnson still didn't realize is that he can have both. He doesn't have to choose one or the other.
Football is a wonderful game, but it's just a game.
Coaching would be a spectacular job, but it's just a job. Fortunately, Dolphins owner Wayne Huizenga and team members helped Johnson see the light. Huizenga hired Johnson an assistant to cut down on the hours he spends on the job, and Johnson agreed to stay. Trust me, Jimmy Johnson will still work hard at football. And even though he has an assistant, my guess is he still will put in a few 16-hour days when push comes to shove.