Asheville Christian Academy hired the former NFL player George Johnson as a football trainer, the school announced in a press release on Thursday.
Johnson, a defensive line player, played nine seasons (2010-18) with the Buccaneers of Tampa Bay, the Vikings of Minnesota, the Lions of Detroit and New Orleans, will also serve as assistant sports director of ACA.
“Coach Johnson is a proven leader of young men through football and relations,” said Asheville Sports Director Christian Academy, Joe Johnson, in a statement. “He is a mentor and a motivator, helping athletes to reach their potential on and off the field. He is innovative and creative and will bring excellent leadership to our sports program and to our football team. He has contributed, trained and trained Athletes at all levels and is a good choice for our mission to Asheville Christian.
Johnson, 37, replaces Rusty BradleyWho left the Lions to accept an attacking coordinator with Knoxville Catholic in Tennessee to get closer to his parents.
The Lions began their football program during the 2020-21 season and are 14-28 years old over five years old. Bradley led the team to a record of 9-18 in three seasons, including a 2-4 brand in a 2024 season marred by the effects of the Hélène tropical storm in Swannanoa. Johnson becomes the third head coach of the program.
Johnson attended Glassboro high school in New Jersey before registering in Rutgers, where he played in 51 games over four years, recording 134 plated, 33 plated for the loss and 13 bags.
After graduating, Johnson was not drafted in the draft of the 2010 NFL before being signed by Tampa Bay.
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Before his hiring at ACA, Johnson was the defensive coordinator at Christ School. He was also head coach in Florida.
Three of the six openings of the football coach west of North Carolina have now been filled. McDowell, Cherokee and Christ School each have openings.
Evan Gerike is the sports journalist at Asheville Citizen Times. Send him an email to [email protected] or follow it on X, formerly Twitter, @Evangerike.
This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Aca Football hires George Johnson, former NFL player, as a chief coach
