In Brian Johnson’s last appearance in the SEC, he led Utah to a stunning upset of Alabama in the 2009 Sugar Bowl. Now, the winningest quarterback in Utah history and current quarterbacks coach for the Utes, has been named quarterbacks coach at Mississippi State, head coach Dan Mullen announced on Monday.
Mullen also announced that Billy Gonzales and John Hevesy have been promoted to co-offensive coordinators. Greg Knox will serve as special teams coordinator in addition to running backs coach. Mullen will continue to call plays on game day.
“I’ve known Brian since I recruited him at Utah, and he is an excellent fit to our staff with his experience and knowledge of the quarterback position,” said Mullen. “Along with Brian’s addition, Billy and John will continue to develop our offense, which was the most explosive in school history last season. Greg is well respected and has over 20 years of coaching experience that will enhance our special teams production. We are thrilled about the staff we have in place. The 2014 season promises to be an exciting one for our team and fans.”
Johnson, who turns age 27 on Sunday, comes to Starkville after spending the past four seasons as an assistant coach at Utah, including one season as the offensive coordinator and one season as the co-offensive coordinator. He coached quarterbacks since joining the staff in 2010. A rising star in the coaching profession, Johnson became the youngest NCAA FBS offensive coordinator in the nation at age 24 in early 2011.