Early coaching stops After graduating from Wittenberg, Johnson joined his alma mater's staff and served as the defensive line coach for the 1994 and 1995 seasons. After leaving Wittenberg, Johnson joined the staff at
Millikin University in Decatur, Illinois. During his three years at Millikin, Johnson served as the strength and conditioning coach (1996), the linebackers coach (1997) and the defensive coordinator (1998). During his one season as defensive coordinator, Johnson's Millikin team allowed just 14.1 points per game. Johnson served as a graduate assistant for
Bob Davie's
Notre Dame team.
Miami (Ohio) In 2000, Johnson left Notre Dame to serve as the linebackers coach at
Miami (Ohio). Johnson spent three years at the school and produced four first-team All-
Mid-American Conference selections.
Cleveland Browns In 2004, Johnson was hired by the
Cleveland Browns as their assistant special teams coach.
Miami (Ohio) In 2005, Johnson returned to Miami to serve as the program's defensive coordinator for the 2005 and 2006 seasons. During the 2005 season, Johnson's defensive unit allowed 23.5 points per game, which was the 42nd best mark in the nation. Johnson's 2006 team allowed 25.3 points per game.
Ohio State In 2007, Johnson joined the
Ohio State Buckeyes as their defensive backs coach. Johnson would go on to spend five seasons at Ohio State, where he coached three consensus All-Americans in
Malcolm Jenkins,
Kurt Coleman and
Chimdi Chekwa.
Purdue In 2014, Johnson joined the
Purdue Boilermakers as their defensive backs coach, spending three years at Purdue for three seasons. ==Personal life==