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John Louis Levra
John Levra Obituary
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.
John's Football Career:
Pittsburg State University, KS - Offensive Lineman (1956-58)
McCune, KS High School - Head Coach (1959-60)
Washington High School, Bethel, KS - Head Coach and Athletic Director (1961-65)
New Mexico Highlands University - Assistant Coach/Head Coach (1966-70)
Stephen F. Austin State University, Nacogdoches, TX - Head Coach and Athletic Director (1971-74)
University of Kansas - Offensive Coordinator (1975-78)
North Texas State University - Offensive Coordinator (1979)
British Columbia Lions, Canadian Football League - Defensive Line (1980)
New Orleans Saints - Running Backs Coach/Offensive Coordinator (1981-85)
Chicago Bears - Defensive Line (1986-1992)
Denver Broncos - Offensive Line (1993-94)
Minnesota Vikings - Defensive Line (1995-97)
Buffalo Bills - Defensive Line (1998-2001)
La Canada, CA High School - Assistant (2009-11)
John coached many players, coaches, and team owners who went on to great success. Nine are in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Thirteen earned Pro Bowl spots. Fifteen were named All Pros. Three were named AFL/NFL Rookies of the Year.
He is a member of multiple halls of fame: Kansas Sports, New Mexico Sports, Pittsburgh State, and New Mexico Highlands. He coached in many All-Star and All-American Bowls, including the Pro Bowl in Hawaii.
John is survived by Rosie, of Raymore, MO; daughter Gina of Kansas City, MO; son Craig (m. Robin Webster Levra) of La Canada, CA; granddaughter Samantha of Los Angeles, CA; and grandson Chase (m. Lauren Cox Levra) of La Canada, CA.
A springtime celebration of life is being planned.
Instead of flowers, the family suggests a donation to:
New Mexico Highlands University Foundation
Coach John Levra Scholarship
PO Box 9000
Las Vegas, NM 87701
https://nmhufoundation.org/athletics-foundation
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
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