Riverview Names Former Standout Todd Johnson Head Football Coach

Todd Johnson’s football career was built on defying the pundits and skeptics.

He was never supposed to become a team captain at Riverview High School. Forget about developing into a SuperPrep All-American defensive back and signing a national letter of intent with the University of Florida.

Many expected that Johnson’s potential would only take him so far in Gainesville, but 284 tackles, 34 starts and nine interceptions over a four-year span from 1998-2002 had the Chicago Bears calling with the 100th overall pick in the 2003 NFL Draft. It would take more than a season-ending broken jaw suffered in a 2003 preseason to thwart the 6-foot-1, 202-pound overachiever.

Following three seasons and a Super Bowl appearance in Chicago, Johnson inked a deal with the St. Louis Rams. After two full seasons with St. Louis, the 2009 season in Buffalo was Johnson’s last.

Not even two years removed from his final season in the NFL, Johnson was back to answering questions after learning a teenage dream had come to fruition. Just as he envisioned during his last two years at Riverview High School, Johnson was officially introduced as the head coach of his high school alma mater during a Wednesday afternoon press conference.

“I’m excited to be here,” the 31-year-old Johnson said. “I grew up dreaming of playing at Riverview High School. When I left, I dreamed of giving back to this high school. If you guys have any questions for me, I would love to try to answer them.”

For years, there has been speculation throughout the Riverview program that Johnson was the likely successor the day that the legendary John Sprague decided to retire. That day came on March 15 when Sprague called a press conference to announce his departure from the Rams’ sideline after compiling a 230-98 record with 15 playoff appearances in 30 seasons from 1981-2010.

Riverview athletic director Jim Ward announced during Sprague’s press conference that the school wanted a successor, who ideally was a former Ram with a passion for the school and its athletic culture. While he fit those qualifications and had the college and NFL playing experience, Johnson still had to overcome 15 other candidates and a four-person committee comprised of Sprague, Ward, assistant principal Melanie Dunham and assistant athletic director Jay Lorenz.

“This is something that I’ve been preparing for a long time,” Johnson said. “Just because I played in the NFL and was a graduate of Riverview High School weren’t reasons enough to get this job. Did it help? It helped, but they were looking for someone who was preparing for this and was ready for the environment to what we need to do. I think I hit on all those points.”

Sprague described himself as being more impressed with Johnson and fellow Riverview graduates and candidates Greg Hill and Scott Swirles following the interview process.

“I’ve been proud of Todd, Greg Hill and Scott Swirles for a long time, but never prouder than I was during the interview process,” Sprague said. “I was there when Todd ran out of the tunnel for the Super Bowl, but his interview made me prouder than ever.”

Johnson’s only perceived fault is his lack of coaching experience. His first official coaching job was as one of Sprague’s varsity assistants last fall.

Johnson quickly discounted that perception on Wednesday afternoon.

“I officially don’t have a lot of coaching experience, but I’ve been a coach on the field at every level I’ve been,” Johnson said. “I was voted captain by my fellow players at each and every level. You coach your teammates, you coach the younger players and get what your coaches are looking for in them.

“Also, I’ve been coming back to Riverview High School every chance I get to coach these kids, mentor them, work with the coaches and learn from them. While I only officially have one year of coaching experience, I feel like I have a lot more experience than a one-year coach.”

Johnson will have to wait until May 2 and the start of spring practice to demonstrate that he is capable of doing exactly what is expected at Riverview.

“We’re not looking at championships,” Ward said. “As long as our kids are successful learning through football, wins and losses happen. You’re going to win and you’re going to lose. As long as we do the right thing for our kids and give them a positive environment, that’s what we want. I definitely think Todd is definitely going to give us that.”