Jim Johnson passes away

Former Eagles defensive coordinator Jim Johnson’s courageous battle with melanoma is over.

Johnson, 68, passed away Tuesday afternoon according to the Eagles.

Johnson took a turn for the worse recently according to sources, and the muffled talk at Eagles training camp Tuesday morning was he was fighting to stay alive.

Head coach Andy Reid visited Johnson Monday night according to a source.

Except for a stiff back, Johnson was the picture of health before the melanoma recurred. The end was difficult.

“He’s in a better place,” an Eagles assistant coach said.

Eagles president Joe Banner and head coach Andy Reid are going to address the media this evening.

Johnson stepped aside as defensive coordinator after 10-plus years last week, and protégé Sean McDermott took over.

Johnson had been unable to coach since the minicamp in early May.