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Paul Johnson

Coach

Inducted 2023

Date of Birth

8/20/1957

Birthplace

Newland, NC

Schools

Georgia Tech (2008-2018)

United States Naval Academy (2002-2007)

Georgia Southern University (1997-2001)

Bio

Capitalizing on his patented spread option offense, Paul Johnson took three programs to the top of their respective conferences and the national rankings, winning two national titles, five conference championships and making 18 bowl appearances. Johnson went 82-60 during 11 seasons in his last stop at Georgia Tech. The Yellow Jackets appeared in the final national rankings in 2008 (No. 22), 2009 (No. 13), and 2014 (No. 8). He led Georgia Tech to nine bowl games, including two New Year's Six bowls (Orange 2009, 2014). The Yellow Jackets appeared in three ACC Championship games during his tenure and won the ACC Coastal Division four times. His Georgia Tech teams led the ACC in rushing offense every year, and he was named ACC Coach of the Year three times (2008, 2009, 2014). He is the fourth-winningest coach at Georgia Tech. At Navy, Johnson transformed a struggling program. During his six seasons in Annapolis, the Midshipmen went 45-29 and earned five bowl berths. Johnson went 11-1 in Commander-In-Chief's trophy games, winning five CIC trophies. He never lost to Army, going 6-0 against the Black Knights. In 2007, he led Navy to its first win over Notre Dame in 43 years, a 46-44 victory in triple overtime. In his five seasons at Georgia Southern, the Eagles notched a 62-10 record, making five FCS playoff appearances and winning the FCS championship twice. He won the Southern Conference with Georgia Southern every year. He was twice named Southern Conference Coach of the Year (1997 and 1998) while heading the Eagles program. Johnson was inducted into the Georgia Southern Athletics Hall of Fame in 2010.