John Levra obit

 Ex-KU assistant John Levra, who coached several NFL Hall of Famers, dies at 88

He was not on the list.

Coach John Levra, age 88, passed away on January 7, 2026, in Leawood, KS, surrounded by his family. He was born at home in Arma, Kansas, on October 2, 1937, to Pete and Minnie Levra. In 1958, he married his best friend and supporter, Rosie (Lee) of Lamar, MO. They shared 68 football seasons together.

Coach Levra lived a life defined by teaching-teaching young people how to compete, prepare, and win through hard work, discipline, and respect. For him, football was never just a game. Across decades of coaching, it became a classroom. Maximum effort counted. Mental toughness mattered. Teamwork delivered success on and off the field.

John began in Arma, where he grew up with strong Midwestern roots and a love of competition. He graduated from Arma High School and then from Pittsburg State University. There, he earned degrees in education and, as team captain, won a NAIA National Championship in 1957. John was a teacher first, coach second. This background shaped his leadership with clarity, patience, and high standards.

John's coaching journey spanned nearly six decades and reached every level of the game. He began coaching high school in Kansas before moving up to the college ranks. At New Mexico Highlands University, he posted a 34-4-1 record and sent multiple players to the pros, with two earning Rookie of the Year honors. Next, he transitioned to Stephen F. Austin, serving as both head coach and athletic director, and leaving a lasting imprint on the program and those who wore the Lumberjack uniform. His tenure included back-to-back nine-win seasons and a Bowl Championship title. Afterward, he advanced to major college programs and professional organizations. At the University of Kansas, his Jayhawks' rushing attack set numerous records. He then secured his first professional coaching role with the BC Lions in the Canadian Football League. He transitioned to the NFL when O.A. "Bum" Phillips hired him to join the New Orleans Saints. Following that, he coached the Chicago Bears-whose 1986 defensive unit set numerous team records-the Denver Broncos, the Minnesota Vikings, and the Buffalo Bills. He worked alongside coaching greats Mike Ditka, Dennis Green, and Wade Phillips. Ultimately, his career concluded as an assistant with the La Canada High School Spartans in La Canada, CA, where he coached his grandson, Chase.

No matter where he coached in the NFL, no matter what position, John Levra worked with a player who would be inducted in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Such was the influence of Levra, the former University of Kansas offensive coordinator and two-way player for Pittsburg State’s 1957 national championship team, who died earlier this month. Levra, who lived in Leawood, was 88. As an NFL assistant for five teams over 22 yards, Levra coached running backs, offensive linemen and defensive linemen. His first gig came as a running backs coach and offensive coordinator with the New Orleans Saints in 1981. Before leaving in 1985, Levra coached Earl Campbell. With the Chicago Bears as a defensive line coach under Mike Ditka from 1986-1992, Levra coached Dan Hampton and Richard Dent. From there, he coached the Denver Broncos offensive line in 1993 and 1994, teams that included Gary Zimmerman. Levra returned to the defensive line with the Minnesota Vikings, where he coached John Randle. His final stop came with the Buffalo Bills from 1998-2002, when he coached Bruce Smith. At Kansas, Levra served as offensive coordinator during the Nolan Cromwell era. Levra served on the 1975 staff with future NFL head coach Wade Phillips, who worked with Levra at three NFL stops. The family is planning a springtime celebration of life.

 

Head coaching record

Year     Team   Overall            Biographical details

Born    October 2, 1937

Arma, Kansas, U.S.

Died    January 7, 2026 (aged 88)

Leawood, Kansas, U.S.

Playing career

1956–1958      Pittsburg State

Positions          Guard, linebacker

Coaching career (HC unless noted)

1966    New Mexico Highlands (assistant)

1967–1970      New Mexico Highlands

1971–1974      Stephen F. Austin

1975–1978      Kansas (OC/OL)

1979    North Texas (OC/OL)

1980    BC Lions (DL)

1981–1985      New Orleans Saints (OB)

1986–1992      Chicago Bears (DL)

1993–1994      Denver Broncos (OL)

1995–1997      Minnesota Vikings (DL)

1998–2002      Buffalo Bills (DL)

Administrative career (AD unless noted)

1971–1974      Stephen F. Austin

Head coaching record

Overall            57–24–1

Bowls  1–0

Tournaments    0–3 (NAIA / NAIA D-I playoffs)Conference Standing          Bowl/playoffs

New Mexico Highlands Cowboys (NAIA / NAIA Division I independent) (1967–1970)

1967    New Mexico Highlands          9–1                              L NAIA Division I Semifinal

1968    New Mexico Highlands          9–0                             

1969    New Mexico Highlands          8–1–1                          L NAIA Division I Semifinal

1970    New Mexico Highlands          9–2                              L NAIA Division I Semifinal

New Mexico Highlands:         35–4–1                       

Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks (Lone Star Conference) (1971–1974)

1971    Stephen F. Austin        2–8      2–7      T–8th  

1972    Stephen F. Austin        2–7      2–6      8th      

1973    Stephen F. Austin        9–3      6–3      T–3rd  W Poultry

1974    Stephen F. Austin        9–2      7–2      2nd     

Stephen F. Austin:       22–20  17–18 

Total:   57–24–1