LOCALS IN THE NFL
Jalen Hurts: Eagles QB Coach Brian Johnson ‘Going To Be A Star One Day’
SALT LAKE CITY – NFL MVP runner-up Jalen Hurts praised former Utah Utes standout and current Philadelphia Eagles quarterbacks coach Brian Johnson as a future coaching star in the league.
Hurts talked about Johnson ahead of Super Bowl LVII in Arizona.
“He’s going to be a star one day,” Hurts said of Johnson. “I have no doubt in my mind.”
Johnson and Hurts have had a relationship for a long time. The Utah legend has known the Eagles QB since he was about four years old.
“It’s definitely just the beginning for both of us”
“I can’t say enough about the type of person he is and how hard he works at his craft every single day”
Eagles QB coach Brian Johnson has known Jalen Hurts since he was 4 years old. I caught up with them on their relationship pic.twitter.com/OpR1oFZT8R
— John Clark (@JClarkNBCS) February 9, 2023
In recent months, Johnson has become more well-known in NFL circles and has been discussed as a potential head coach, sooner rather than later.
In October 2022, NFL Network highlighted Johnson’s path from a standout college player at Utah to his coaching in the league. A couple of weeks later, ESPN’s Adam Schefter hosted Johnson on his podcast.
RELATED: Eagles QB Coach Brian Johnson Credits Kyle Whittingham For Coaching Start
Since then, Johnson, Hurts, and the Eagles clinched a spot in the postseason as the NFC’s No. 1 seed. Following a couple of playoff victories, Philadelphia earned the title of NFC Champions and will play the Kansas City Chiefs in the Super Bowl.
With this continued success, Johnson will likely be a hot candidate for a promotion as an offensive coordinator or head coach in the next year or two.
"He's going to be a star one day." The Eagles' Brian Johnson, one of three Black QB coaches in the NFL, has helped Jalen Hurts take the leap from unproven to MVP runner-up in just two years, putting him on the fast track toward a possible head coaching job https://t.co/95CY5BWOYP
— Michael Lee (@MrMichaelLee) February 11, 2023
“Hopefully, we can keep him here as long as we possibly can,” Hurts continued about his QB coach. “Nonetheless, I’m proud of him, and it’s definitely just the beginning for both of us.”
During the regular season, Johnson helped Hurts throw for 3,701 yards, 22 touchdowns, and only six interceptions with a 66.5 percent completion rate.
This postseason, Hurts has thrown for 275 yards and scored four total touchdowns.
.@JalenHurts on his relationship with Quarterbacks Coach Brian Johnson pic.twitter.com/3vkNvOmkbf
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) November 10, 2021
RELATED: NFL Network Highlights Coaching Path Of Former Utah QB
Super Bowl LVII will feature the Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs. The big game is scheduled to start on Sunday, February 12 at 4:30 p.m. (MDT) on FOX.
About Brian Johnson
Prior to his coaching career, the Barrett Station, Texas native was a standout player for the Utes. Johnson played at Utah from 2004-08.
During his four seasons in Salt Lake City, the former quarterback threw for 7,853 yards, 57 touchdowns, and 27 interceptions with a 66.2 percent completion rate.
NCAA Football cover model ✅
Youngest OC in college football ✅
One of the voices in Jalen Hurts’ ear amidst a breakout season ✅Meet #Eagles QBs coach Brian Johnson. pic.twitter.com/KZXUBUjxSA
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) October 14, 2022
Johnson had a program-best 26-7 record as Utah’s starting quarterback. His career was highlighted by a special undefeated senior season that was capped with a Sugar Bowl victory over the Alabama Crimson Tide.
Following his playing career, Johnson returned to Utah in 2010 as the Utes’ quarterbacks coach. In 2012, Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham promoted Johnson to offensive coordinator.
Jalen Hurts is the NFC Offensive Player of the Month, and @PSchrags says the @Eagles' QB Coach deserves a lot of credit 🦅
"Former @Utah_Football QB Brian Johnson is going to be an NFL head coach some day." pic.twitter.com/KYfBaijALe
— Good Morning Football (@gmfb) September 29, 2022
Two years later, Johnson was hired as Mississippi State’s quarterbacks coach. He was with the Bulldogs through the 2016 season. In 2017, the former Ute spent one season as Houston’s offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach before taking another job. Former Mississippi State and Florida head coach Dan Mullen hired Johnson as his quarterbacks coach for the second time, this time with the Gators.
After two seasons, Mullen promoted Johnson to Florida’s offensive coordinator. Johnson held that position for one season. In 2021, the former Utah star jumped to the NFL. Then first-year Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni hired Johnson as Philadelphia’s quarterbacks coach.
Kyle Ireland is a Locals in the NFL Insider for KSLSports.com and co-host of the Yards After College Podcast. Follow him on Twitter (@kyleireland) and Instagram (@kyleirelandksl).
