Dave Johnson begins his fourth season as the Bobcats’ offensive line coach. Prior to the 2017 season, Johnson was elevated to Co-Offensive Coordinator and named Run Game Coordinator.

In 2016, Ohio’s offense generated the third most yards gained in school history. Troy Watson earned a second-team All-MAC selection while Jake Pruehs was named to the third team. The Ohio the offensive line which gave up just 19 sacks through the season and averaged 26.3 points per game and 392.3 yards per game including 167.9 rushing yards per game

In 2015, the Bobcats eclipsed 200 yards rushing six times, including two 300 yard games. Lucas Powell and Mike McQueen were named All-MAC following the season.

In his first season with the Bobcats, Johnson’s offensive line helped pave the way for the for Ohio’s running game. The Bobcats had nine games where they rushed for more than 100 yards including four 200 yards games.

Lucas Powell was named All-MAC Second Team in 2014 at center and was named to the Rimington Watch List for the 2015 season.

His coaching highlights include 16 Bowl Appearances with an 11-5 record in those games and nine Division IA conference Championship titles (Big East, SEC, MAC). Johnson has mentored 12 NFL players, five All-Americans and 32 all-conference selections.

In 2011 and 2012, Johnson was part of a Cincinnati offense that ranked among the best in the Big East each year. In 2012, the Bearcats led the league in scoring offense and rushing offense. Tight end Travis Kelce was taken in the 3rd Round of the NFL Draft, while he and three of Johnson’s offensive linemen were named to all-conference teams.

Prior to joining UC, Johnson was the offensive line coach at West Virginia University from 2008-10. Behind the blocking of the line, the Mountaineer offense accumulated 400 or more yards of total offense in seven games in 2010. WVU finished No. 2 in the BIG EAST in passing, total offense and total first downs. WVU had the top passer in the league in passing yards per game, pass efficiency and second in total yards per game.

In 2009, the offensive line paved the way for the 13th 1,000-yard rusher in the past 14 season and first 2,000-yard passer since 1998. Of the 855 plays by the offense in 2009, each the five offensive linemen logged in more than 830 plays. In 2008, the offensive line was ranked No. 27 nationally for fewest sacks allowed. During his time at WVU, Johnson mentored All-American Ryan Stanchek and All-BIG EAST selections Selvish Capers, Mike Dent and Stanchek.

Johnson spent 2001-07 as the tight ends coach at the University of Georgia. The Bulldogs won 72 games, averaging more than 10 wins a season, three SEC East Division Championships, two SEC Championships, five bowl wins and five Top-10 national finishes during his time in Athens. Four of his tight ends, Randy McMichael, Ben Watson, Martez Milner and Leonard Pope are playing in the NFL. In 2007, the Bulldogs were No. 4 in the SEC in rushing offense (177.0). In 2005, UGA led the SEC in passing efficiency (144.0) and was second in scoring offense (29.5). In 2002, the Bulldogs led the SEC in scoring (32.14) and pass efficiency (138.91).

From 1997-2000, he was the tackles and tight ends coach as well as the recruiting coordinator at Marshall University. The Herd posted a 43-9 record, won four MAC titles and three Motor City Bowl titles, while averaging 11 wins a years during his four-year tenure, including a 13-0 record in 1999. In 1999, Marshall was No. 7 nationally in passing offense, total offense and scoring offense.

Johnson spent nine years at Indiana University (Pa.), where from 1987-89, he coached the offensive line, tight ends and assisted with strength and conditioning. He was the Crimson Hawks’ offensive coordinator and offensive line coach from 1990-96. He helped lead IUP to the NCAA Division II national playoffs eight times, including two championship game appearances and three semifinal finishes. IUP finished with a 99-22-1 record during Johnson’s tenure.

He spent the 1986 season coaching the offensive line, tight ends and handling the strength and conditioning duties at Shippensburg University.

He started his coaching career as a graduate assistant at his alma mater from 1984-85.

Johnson was a four-year letterwinner at West Virginia. He was the starting center on the 1981 Peach Bowl and 1982 Gator Bowl teams. He earned a bachelor’s degree from WVU in 1985 and a master’s degree in 1986.

Johnson and his wife Lynn have four children, Andrew, Lauren, Zachary and Mark.