LOCALS IN THE NFL
Reports: Eagles QB Coach Brian Johnson Expected To Be Promoted To Offensive Coordinator
SALT LAKE CITY – Former Utah Utes quarterbacks and current Philadelphia Eagles QBs coach Brian Johnson is one of the “most sought-after assistant coaches” in the NFL and is expected to be promoted to offensive coordinator, according to multiple reports.
Hours before the kickoff of Super Bowl LVII between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Eagles, multiple reports surfaced involving Johnson’s promotion to becoming an NFL offensive coordinator in the not-too-distant future.
According to ESPN and NFL Network, current Eagles offensive coordinator Shane Steichen is in line to be hired as the next head coach of the Indianapolis Colts following the conclusion of the Super Bowl.
With those reports, NFL insiders Adam Schefter and Ian Rapoport both reported that Johnson was a hot OC candidate with multiple requests to interview around the league but is expected to be promoted in Philadelphia pending Steichen’s departure to Indianapolis.
Eagles’ QB coach Brian Johnson, one of the NFL's most sought-after assistant coaches, who has received multiple requests to interview for offensive coordinator positions, would be expected to replace Shane Steichen as Philadelphia’s OC.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 12, 2023
“#Eagles QB coach Brian Johnson is in demand as an offensive coordinator but with Shane Steichen primed to leave for Indy… Johnson figures to stay in Philly with a promotion,” Rapoport tweeted.
#Eagles QB coach Brian Johnson is in demand as an offensive coordinator but with Shane Steichen primed to leave for Indy… Johnson figures to stay in Philly with a promotion. https://t.co/dKSqbRcLmP
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 12, 2023
“If Steichen and the Colts reach a deal, the Eagles would be expected to have his replacement already on their coaching staff, according to sources,” Shefter reporter for ESPN.com. “Quarterbacks coach Brian Johnson, one of the NFL’s most sought-after assistant coaches, who has received multiple requests to interview for offensive coordinator positions, is expected to replace Steichen as Philadelphia’s offensive coordinator, sources told ESPN.
Earlier in the week, NFL MVP runner-up Jalen Hurts praised his quarterbacks coach as a future coaching star in the league.
“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.
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, 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 head coach candidate in the future.
"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 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).
