BALTIMORE, Md. (May 3, 2024) -- Morgan State University's head football coach, Damon Wilson, has made a significant addition to his coaching staff with the appointment of Jimmie Johnson as assistant offensive line coach and recruiting coordinator. Johnson brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the Bears' program.

"We are very fortunate to bring a Coach like Coach Johnson to our program," said Wilson. "Coach Johnson has coached and played the game at every level. He is very detailed oriented and demands the best out of every player." 

Wilson added, "Coach Johnson understands the importance of developing the students-athletes on and off the field."  

As a former All-MEAC standout at Howard University, Johnson has a deep understanding of the position and its technical intricacies. His playing career included 10 NFL seasons at tight end (1989-1998). Following his NFL playing career, Coach Johnson embarked on a remarkable 22-year coaching journey at both the collegiate and professional levels. This extensive experience has provided him with a comprehensive perspective of the game, allowing him to effectively guide his players on and off the field.

Prior to joining Coach Wilson's staff, Johnson honed his coaching skills as the Offensive Coordinator and Running Backs Coach for the San Antonio Brahmas in the XFL. During his time there, he was responsible for the development and performance of the running backs and shared preparation of the game plan. 

Johnson previously worked three seasons (2020-22) as a coaching analyst at the University of Maryland, where he was responsible for breakdowns of defensive personnel and scouting reports. He also helped with the development of tight ends.

During the 2020 XFL season, Johnson took on the role of tight ends coach for the DC Defenders. His guidance proved instrumental in the development of Khari Lee, who subsequently secured a contract with the Atlanta Falcons in the NFL. Johnson's expertise contributed to the Defenders' impressive performance, as they emerged victorious in the East Division before the season was abruptly halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In 2001, Johnson embarked on his coaching journey as the running backs coach at South Carolina State University. His tenure there laid the foundation for his coaching career. The following year, he moved to Shaw University, where he served as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks and wide receivers coach.

From 2004 to 2005, Johnson took on the role of offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Texas Southern University. During his time there, he helped guide the team to success, showcasing his offensive acumen. 

Johnson's NFL coaching career began in 2006 when he joined the Minnesota Vikings as their tight ends coach. He spent eight seasons with the Vikings, developing and mentoring some of the league's top tight ends. In 2015, he joined the New York Jets as their tight ends coach, where he continued to make a significant impact on the team's offense.

Hailing from Augusta, Georgia, Johnson was raised and educated in the city's T. W. Josey High School. His academic pursuits led him to Howard University, where he earned a bachelor's degree in consumer studies in 1989. While at Howard, Johnson's athletic prowess shone through as a member of the Howard Bison football team.

During his time at Howard, Johnson excelled as a tight end for the Bison. Over four seasons, he amassed an impressive 73 receptions for 1,229 yards and 16 touchdowns. His stellar performance culminated in a first-team All-Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) selection in 1988, his senior year. He also earned recognition as a Two Time Sheridan Broadcasting Black College All-America in both 1987 and 1988.

He is a member of Omega Psi Phi fraternity.


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ABOUT MORGAN
Morgan State University, founded in 1867, is a Carnegie-classified high research (R2) institution offering nearly 140 academic programs leading to degrees from the baccalaureate to the doctorate. As Maryland's Preeminent Public Urban Research University, and the only university to have its entire campus designated as a National Treasure by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Morgan serves a multiethnic and multiracial student body and seeks to ensure that the doors of higher education are opened as wide as possible to as many as possible. For more information about Morgan State University, visit www.morgan.edu.