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SALT LAKE CITY — The University of Utah announced Thursday the promotion of Utah's quarterbacks coach Brian Johnson as the team's new offensive coordinator.
The announcement comes on the heels of the departure of Norm Chow, who accepted the head coaching position at Hawaii after spending a season with Utah as offensive coordinator.
"After spending the past month conducting a national search for an offensive coordinator, it became very apparent that we had the best candidate for the job right here on our own staff," Utes head coach Kyle Whittingham said. "Brian is a leader and a special coaching talent, just as he was a special player, and he is the right person to lead our offense."
- Utah, 2008
- Bachelor's in mass communication
- Hometown: Baytown, Texas
- Birthdate: Feb. 16, 1987
Johnson recently completed his second year as the team's quarterbacks coach after leading the Utes in 2008 to an undefeated season and a win in the 2009 Sugar Bowl. Johnson, who will turn 25 on Feb. 16, will become the youngest current Offensive Coordinator in Division I football.
"I am excited that Coach Whittingham has given me this opportunity and I am prepared for the challenge," Johnson said. "I'm looking forward to working with a great coaching staff and putting together a productive offense that will help us win a conference championship."
Johnson is currently the winningest quarterback in the school's history. Johnson's coaching influences include: Ohio State Head Coach Urban Meyer, Utah Head Coach Kyle Whittingham and Hawaii Head Coach Norm Chow.
The promotion of Johnson to offensive coordinator has many hesitant about the Utes' future, particularly given Johnson's inexperience coaching. However, many trust Whittingham's decision to move forward with a player committed to Utah's football program.
Along with Johnson's promotion, Whittingham promoted both Kalani Sitake and Aaron Roderick. Sitake will become the team's assistant head coach and will continue as the defensive coordinator and linebackers coach. Roderick will assume the role as the passing game coordinator and will continue as the receivers coach.
