CHILDERSBURG, Ala. – For the last five years, Johnny Johnson has been the man to look to as far as anything relating to Childersburg High School athletics. Several days ago, he made the tough decision to remove himself as the head football coach at his alma mater.
Coach Johnson will be the first to tell you that the results have not been what he, the school, or the community has wanted, but the question that is now asked is this:
Did he leave the program better than how he inherited it? I think most everyone will tell you yes.
When spring practice ended in 2024, the head coach had around 74 kids dressed out for varsity football. As long as I can remember, I have never known CHS to have that many. Obviously, the kids like him and respond to him. For whatever reason, it just did not come to the place that he wanted it to reach.
Johnson loves the school so much, he thought someone else might be able to take it to greater heights. After all, nobody questions his coaching ability.
In his ninth year over the basketball program, he has compiled a 165-84 record going into tonight’s game at Altamont. His five year tenure over the gridiron saw the Tigers go 13-37.
As of right now, he will remain as the Athletic Director and Head Basketball Coach. He also added that he would not give up on the program and that if the new coach wants him on the sideline, he will consider doing so for the school where he graduated from.
Talladega County Board of Education Superintendent Dr. Suzanne Lacey said, “Johnny Johnson is a class act in everything that he does. He has led this school and program with integrity and professionalism, and we want what is best for he and his family. I value his leadership, and I am so appreciative of the years of service to Childersburg High School.
Childersburg High School Principal Hillary Rogers said that the application process has closed now and that 23 applicants have thrown their names in the hat to be the new signal caller at the high school.
The early interviews will take place at the Board of Education before a few candidates will face a second interview in front of Mrs. Rogers and Assistant Principal Acardia “Bam” Garrett.
Shown in the picture are Coach Johnson, his wife Monica, and his son, sophomore Jacob.
I have been around high school coaches for more than 40 years, and I have had great experiences with a lot of them. Nevertheless, I would be hard pressed to find a better one than Johnny Johnson. He has always been respectful of our jobs and has always been so gracious with his time.
As good of a coach that he is, he is an even better man. He has been great to work with, and he has been great for Childersburg.
