Tulane assistant David Johnson joining Memphis coach Norvell's staff
Tulane tight ends and running backs coach David Johnson is joining the staff of new Memphis coach Mike Norvell, according to sources.
A revered recruiter in New Orleans, Johnson is a significant hire for Norvell, who became the Tigers’ coach last week. Johnson spent the last four seasons with the Green Wave after serving as the coach of famed St. Augustine High in New Orleans from 2009-11.
There, he coached Tyrann Mathieu and before that he coached wide receivers, tight ends, special teams and was the recruiting coordinator at Millsaps College from 2006-08. He was also passing coordinator and wide receiver/tight ends coach at St. Augustine High in 2005.
Before that, Johnson was the offensive coordinator and wide receivers/tight ends coach at O. Perry Walker High in New Orleans from 2000-04. He got his start in coaching at his now-closed alma mater, John F. Kennedy High, in New Orleans from 1997-98.
Johnson played wide receiver and was a punt returner at Nicholls State from 1990-95. A highly regarded offensive mind, the 34-year-old Norvell was hired at Memphis last week after spending the last four seasons as Arizona State’s offensive coordinator, deputy head coach and quarterbacks coach.
Norvell replaces Justin Fuente, who left last month to become Virginia Tech’s coach. Fuente transformed the Tigers from one of college football’s worst programs into a Top 25 team with a 26-23 record in four seasons, which includes a 9-3 mark this season.
Memphis plays Auburn (6-6, 2-6 SEC) in the Birmingham Bowl on Dec. 30.
