Curtis Johnson (American football coach) facts for kids
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Johnson with the Houston Roughnecks in 2024
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| Houston Roughnecks | |
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| Position: | Head coach |
| Personal information | |
| Born: | November 5, 1961 New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S. |
| Career information | |
| High school: | Laplace (LA) St. Charles |
| College: | Idaho |
| Career history | |
| As coach: | |
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| Career highlights and awards | |
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| Head coaching record | |
| Regular season: | NCAA: 15–33 (.313) USFL/UFL: 6–14 (.300) |
| Postseason: | NCAA: 0–1 (.000) |
| Career: | NCAA: 15–34 (.306) USFL/UFL: 6–14 (.300) |
Curtis Johnson, Jr. (born November 5, 1961) is an American football coach. He is currently the head coach for the Houston Roughnecks. This team plays in the United Football League (UFL). Before this, he was the head coach at Tulane University from 2012 to 2015.
Curtis Johnson's Coaching Journey
Starting His Coaching Career
After finishing college at the University of Idaho, Curtis Johnson began coaching. His first job was coaching wide receivers at Lewiston High School. Then, in 1987, he became a college assistant coach for Idaho. As he moved to different assistant coaching jobs, Johnson became known for two things. He was great at finding new players (recruiting). He was also excellent at coaching specific player positions.
At San Diego State, he helped recruit famous players. These included Pro Football Hall of Fame running back Marshall Faulk. He also coached wide receiver Darnay Scott. While at San Diego State, he worked with Sean Payton. Payton later offered Johnson his first job in the NFL.
After San Diego State, Johnson spent one year each at Southern Methodist University and the University of California. At California, he coached future All-American Bobby Shaw. In 1996, he joined the coaching staff at Miami.
Coaching at Miami University
Curtis Johnson spent ten years coaching at Miami. During this time, the team played in nine bowl games. They also won the National Championship in 2001. Johnson coached many talented wide receivers there. Some of these players were Andre Johnson, Santana Moss, and Reggie Wayne. He also helped recruit Ed Reed, a standout safety.
Joining the New Orleans Saints
In 2006, Johnson became part of Sean Payton's first coaching team for the New Orleans Saints. He coached wide receivers like Marques Colston and Lance Moore. From 2006 to 2011, his wide receivers scored 108 touchdowns. They also had 35 games with over 100 receiving yards. Johnson was a coach when the Saints won Super Bowl XLIV in the 2009 season. This was a huge achievement for the team.
Leading the Tulane Green Wave
On December 5, 2011, Curtis Johnson became the new head coach. He took over the Tulane Green Wave football team. He finished the NFL season with the Saints. At the same time, he started working with the Tulane program.
On November 28, 2015, Johnson was no longer the head coach at Tulane. After a strong start in 2013, the team struggled. He finished his time at Tulane with 15 wins and 34 losses. The Athletic Director, Rick Dickson, thanked Johnson for his hard work. He noted that the team reached a bowl game in 2013. However, the program had not improved as much as they hoped.
Time with the Chicago Bears
On February 15, 2016, Johnson was hired by the Chicago Bears. He became their wide receivers coach. He replaced Mike Groh, who moved to another team. After one season, Johnson decided not to stay with the Bears. He left the team on January 30, 2017.
Returning to the New Orleans Saints
In 2017, Curtis Johnson rejoined the New Orleans Saints. He worked as a senior offensive assistant. In 2021, he also took on the role of wide receivers coach again.
Coaching the Houston Gamblers
On February 15, 2023, Johnson was hired as head coach. He joined the Houston Gamblers. This team is part of the United States Football League (USFL). He coached them during the 2023 season.
Leading the Houston Roughnecks
After the 2023 season, the Houston Gamblers team changed. All players and coaches, including Johnson, moved to the Houston Roughnecks. The Gamblers team took on the Roughnecks' identity. This team is part of the new United Football League.
Curtis Johnson's Personal Life
Curtis Johnson was born in New Orleans. He grew up in St. Rose, Louisiana. His father was a councilman in St. Charles Parish. Johnson went to St. Charles Catholic High School. This school is in LaPlace, Louisiana. In 2010, his high school community honored him. They held an exhibit about his life and achievements.
After high school, Johnson went to the University of Idaho. He played college football there. He also ran track and field. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education. Curtis Johnson and his wife, Angel, live in Harvey. They have six children. Johnson is also a deacon at his church. He often visits schools and camps. There, he talks about the importance of school, hard work, and faith.
One of his sons, Curtis "Trey" Johnson III, also played football. He was a wide receiver for the University of Memphis.
