SALT LAKE CITY (ABC 4 Sports) - Brian Johnson, Utah’s quarterbacks coach for the past two years, has been elevated to offensive coordinator, head coach Kyle Whittingham announced today amid a staff restructure.
Johnson takes over for Norm Chow, who left Utah after one season to become the head coach at Hawaii. The move comes as a bit of a surprise seeing how Johnson has never been an offensive coordinator before, and Whittingham had dozens of applicants from which to choose.
“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,” said Whittingham of his decision to promote Johnson, who turns 25 on Feb. 16. “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,” said Whittingham, who in 1995 became Utah’s defensive coordinator after just one year as an assistant coach.
Johnson, the winningest quarterback in Utah history during his career. He was 26-7 as the starter in 2005, 2007 and 2008 and culminated his career with an MVP performances in the 2009 Sugar Bowl against Alabama. Johnson will continue to coach the quarterbacks in his new position.
“I am excited that Coach Whittingham has given me this opportunity and I am prepared for the challenge,” said Johnson. “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. I’ve had many good mentors as a player and a coach, including Dan Mullen, Andy Ludwig, Aaron Roderick and Norm Chow.”
Johnson’s promotion was part of a staff restructure that includes promotions for Kalani Sitake and Aaron Roderick. Sitake has assumed the title of assistant head coach and will continue his role as the defensive coordinator and linebackers coach. Roderick, in his eighth year coaching the receivers, will also serve as the passing game coordinator.
In other staff moves, Dan Finn, a Utah graduate assistant from 2004-06, has been hired to coach the centers and guards.
Sharrieff Shah, a starting safety for the Utes from 1990-93 and a three-year team captain, returns to his alma mater to coach the cornerbacks.
