Paul Johnson enters his third season as head coach of Chowan's football team. Johnson was named the ninth Head Football Coach in January 2023.
During the 2024 season, Johnson led the Hawks to a 3-7 overall record and a 2-5 record in league play. He received his first win as head coach against Mississippi State, winning 27-25. Chowan would finish the season with three All-Conference honors. Wide Receiver Jakobe Lane earned recognition as a First Team All-GSC selection, while Gabriel Jackson and Kennypride Toh were honored with spots on the Second Team All-GSC. Johnson will lead the Hawks into the 2025 season as a member of Conference Carolinas.
In his first season, Johnson led the Hawks in their first appearance as members of the the Gulf South Conference. Chowan football finished the season with a first team all-conference selection after player, Traveon Mitchell led the conference in tackles.
Johnson comes to Chowan by way of Bloomsburg University where he served as the Offensive Coordinator along with coaching the Tight Ends and Wide Receivers for the past two seasons. During his first season with the Huskies, Johnson averaged 304.2 yards per game in the PSAC East including a 700+ yard rusher.
Prior to his stint with the Huskies, Johnson spent a decade at Charleston (2011-2021). His first six seasons, Johnson served as the Run Game Coordinator and Offensive Line coach. Four of those seasons, the Golden Eagles rushed for over 200 yards per game. Johnson helped UC to their first postseason appearance in program history in 2015 when the Golden Eagles went 10-2 after averaging 41.1 points and 241.3 rushing yards per game.
In 2017, Johnson was promoted to Offensive Coordinator. During the 2019 season, the Golden Eagles produced a 3,000 yard passer, 1,000 yard receiver and a 1,000 yard rusher. Johnson guided Michael Stratchan to All-American status along with being drafted in the 2021 NFL Draft to the Indianapolis Colts.
During his time with the Golden Eagles, Johnson produced 17 All-Conference Offensive Linemen along with ranking in the top-25 nationally in offensive categories.
Prior to his time at Charleston, Johnson served as a Graduate Assistant at Marshall and West Virginia. Johnson helped West Virginia make appearances in the Meineke Car Care Bowl and Gator Bowl.
The Parkersburg, W.Va. native played collegiately at Ohio University under Frank Solich. Johnson was a three-year starter at left guard and helped the Bobcats to their first bowl appearance since 1966 appearing in the GMAC Bowl in 2007. Johnson received his Bachelors degree in Recreation Management from Ohio in 2008 and received his Masters from West Virginia in Athletic Coaching Education in 2010.
Paul is married to his wife, Kristina, and they have a daughter – Bradleigh and son – Kyran.
