Jim Johnson, Eagles’ defensive coordinator, who fought cancer, has died. Jim Johnson is dead at 68 after 10 years with the Eagles and following a leave just weeks ago from the Eagles to deal with a cancer tumor on his spine.

Johnson’s death was confirmed by the team this evening.

The Eagles were second in the NFL in sacks between 2000 and 2008 under Johnson. While with the Eagles for a decade, Johnson worked in the NFL for 22 years. Ravens’ John Harbaugh, who previously worked under Johnson, issued the following statement to press tonight:

“Jim was a tremendous teacher of football and life. He had a special ability to bring out the best in people while getting you to see the best in yourself. He saw potential and developed it. He made me believe I could coach at this level. In football, he was a pioneering and brilliant strategist, changing the way defense is played in the NFL.”

Funeral arrangements have not been announced. Jim Johnson will be greatly missed.