Johnson Named Head Coach for Doane Football

Doane University is pleased to announce the hiring of Jonathan Johnson as the Head Coach for Tiger Football. Johnson was selected after a thorough nationwide search and brings a wealth of college experience to the program. He is the 34th head coach in program history as the Tigers will begin their 132nd season in 2024. Doane ranks fourth all-time in wins amongst active NAIA programs with 577.

"We are excited to welcome Coach Johnson to the Doane family," said Mark Wateska, Doane Director of Athletics. "We had an outstanding pool of candidates which is a testament to the excellence of Doane University. Coach Johnson has had success in the NAIA, NCAA, and NJCAA. He has experience in all aspects of running a football program from the ground up. He brings the passion, energy, and knowledge to return Doane Football to one of the top teams in the GPAC and on the national level".

Johnson comes to Doane from Hilbert College (N.Y.) where he was Assistant Head Coach and Defensive Coordinator for the start-up NCAA Division III program that completed its second season in November. Prior to that, he served as Defensive Coordinator at NCAA Division I Stetson University (Fla.) during a second stint with the Hatters and at NJCAA Hocking College (Ohio).

"I am ecstatic for this opportunity to join the Doane University family and to lead this football program moving forward," commented Johnson. "I want to thank President (Roger) Hughes, Director of Athletics Mark Wateska, and the search committee for giving me this tremendous opportunity."

His start in coaching began in Mississippi at Belhaven University, an NAIA program at the time, where he was a defensive line coach and equipment manager. Johnson joined Mississippi Gulf Coast CC as a tight ends and fullbacks coach before returning to the defensive side of the ball with his first stop at Stetson. His first Defensive Coordinator position came at Pearl River CC (Miss.) before starting at Hocking.

"I am excited to return to my NAIA roots and provide the same type of student-athlete experience that prepared me for where I am today," said Johnson. "Doane University has a rich history in academics, athletics, and an amazing campus culture that I am looking forward to being a part of. I can't wait to get started developing these young men and building the love/trust we need to compete for GPAC Championships and on the national level."

Johnson played collegiately at Belhaven and was a defensive end for the Blazers.

His official start date will be January 8. The Tigers finished this past year with a 2-9 overall record and 2-8 in the GPAC, tied for ninth.