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 Marshall County (2013-15). He got his start in coaching at Cascade in 2006, leading the defensive backs there.
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“The most important thing is helping these young men become men, using football as a vehicle in lessons in life,” Johnson said.
Following a standout career at Niceville High in Florida, Johnson was a defensive back at MTSU (1999-2003). His son, C.J. Johnson, is a defensive back for the Blue Raiders after a standout career at Riverdale.
“(Johnson) recognizes the importance of building character and instilling values during their time at La Vergne High School,” Hatchett said. “His enthusiasm for mentoring will help our student-athletes not only thrive in sports but also grow into outstanding young men. I have seen firsthand the positive impact Coach Johnson has made in our track program, and I am excited to witness how he will elevate our football program.”
Woodward resigned after five seasons with the Wolverines. He took the team to the 6A playoffs in 2020, but La Vergne has gone just 6-34 in the past four seasons, including 0-10 in 2024.
This article originally appeared on Murfreesboro Daily News Journal: TSSAA football: La Vergne hires Chris Johnson as head coach
