Mike Johnson came to Titletown in 2019 from Huntingdon College, where he served as defensive backs coach since the 2016 season.
In 2019, Johnson coached the Blazers secondary and part of a defense that was second in the GSC and 32nd nationally in total defense at 311.5 yards allowed per game. The Blazers were 23rd nationally and first in the GSC in scoring defense allowing 18.5 points per game as the Blazers won their second-straight Gulf South Conference title and a berth in the second round of the NCAA playoffs. The Blazer “D” allowed 193 first downs for third in the GSC, while holding teams to a .331 clip on third down for second in the league and 45th nationally. VSU also allowed just 187.1 yards passing for the season for 40th nationally and third in the conference, while holding teams in the red zone to a .735 clip for 48th nationally and third in the league. The Blazers averaged 2.64 sacks per game for third in the conference and 39th nationally. Johnson coached junior Cory Roberts to second team all-conference honors
During his time at Huntingdon, Johnson coached three all-conference defensive backs in 2016 and 2017, along with one all-league honoree in 2018. In 2017, Johnson helped coach Huntingdon to its third-straight USA South Conference title and advanced to the NCAA playoffs for the third-straight year.
He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in communication from NCAA Division I FCS Bryant in 2014, he then began his coaching career at NCAA Division II Malone University in February 2015. He produced one all-conference defensive back while he was at Malone.
Johnson was a four-year starter in the Bryant secondary at cornerback. During his senior year, he helped lead the Bulldogs to their most successful season in program history as they reached their highest national ranking in Week 11 at No. 21 in both the Coaches and Sports Network polls. Bryant finished the season 8-3 for the best record since the program moved to FCS.
