La Vergne hires former MTSU defensive back Chris Johnson as head football coach

Taking over the La Vergne program will be the first head football coaching experience for Chris Johnson.

But he certainly isn’t new to the game, or coaching, for that matter.

Johnson was named the Wolverines’ head coach Monday, just three days after Mike Woodward resigned following the 2024 season.

“I’m really excited for this new opportunity,” said Johnson, who has experience at the high school level and has been part of MTSU’s football staff. “I’m no stranger to leadership. I’ve been leading organizations for a minute. The one thing I’ve always lacked was opportunity. I’m excited that (La Vergne principal Theowauna Hatchett) gave me the opportunity to impact kids.”

Johnson, 44, has been coaching track and field since joining the school in 2022, and he became the program’s head coach in 2023.

“This decision came easily, as Coach Johnson understands what it takes to lead an athletic program at La Vergne High School,” Hatchett said. “Our commitment has always been, and will continue to be, to uphold high standards for all of our student-athletes in the classroom, community, and on the field.

“We firmly believe that academic success is essential, and completing one’s education is the crucial first step toward life-changing opportunities for our student-athletes. Coach Johnson shares this belief and is dedicated to ensuring that our student-athletes excel both academically and athletically.”

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Prior to that, he spent 10 seasons as a character coach and team chaplain for the MTSU football program under then-coach Rick Stockstill.

He has high school coaching experience, including as an assistant head coach and defensive coordinator at both Warren County (2011-12 under his brother Tommy Johnson, a former Alabama and Jacksonville Jaguars player) and…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/la-vergne-hires-former-mtsu-005054523.html

Author : The Daily News Journal

Publish date : 2024-11-05 00:50:54

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