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Bobby Johnson Agrees to Long-Term Contract 9/3/2004
Bobby Johnson Agrees to Long-Term Contract Bobby Johnson has agreed to a new, long-term contract to remain as Vanderbilt’s head football coach. The announcement comes on the eve of the Commodores’ first game, which marks the start of Johnson’s third year as head coach. “Bobby Johnson is a gifted teacher who also happens to be a fine coach. He came to Vanderbilt to build a solid, successful program, and this new contract is our commitment to see it happen,” said Chancellor Gordon Gee.” “I am appreciative of the confidence that our administration has expressed in me and my coaching staff,” Johnson says. “Vanderbilt is a great university, Nashville is a great city and we enjoy being here. We will continue working hard to build the kind of program everyone wants.” Johnson is deep into a massive rebuilding project with the football program. Playing with a lineup dominated by freshmen and sophomores, the Commodores have shown steady progress despite winning just four games in two years. Last year’s late season Kentucky victory and a wealth of returning players have breathed new enthusiasm into the program. His teams have led the Southeastern Conference in the number of academic Honor Roll recipients. Season ticket sales are running 25% ahead of last year’s total. Johnson came to Vanderbilt in December, 2001, one day after leading Furman to the Division I-AA national championship game. Johnson was named the national Coach of the Year for that accomplishment. In eight years as Furman’s head coach, Johnson guided the Paladins to three Southern Conference championships and four NCAA playoff berths. He was a three-time recipient of the Region II I-AA Coach of the Year honor. A native of Columbia, S.C., he graduated from Clemson University in 1973, where former Vanderbilt Head Coach George MacIntyre was his secondary position coach. He is married to the former Catherine Bonner of Charleston, S.C. |
Bobby Johnson Agrees to Long-Term Contract
