Texas Tech football is putting former standout Jah’Shawn Johnson through a spring metamorphosis this season, changing the star player to assistant coach of the Red Raiders secondary.
The 2022 All-Big 12 safety is fresh off the conclusion of his college playing career and now sharing all of the knowledge and experience he’s acquired with the next generation of Texas Tech defenders.
In an interview with Johnson, he explains his challenges and opportunities in transitioning from the locker room to the coaches’ room.
“It’s definitely a change, going from one of the guys to now being in a leadership role,” Johnson said.
But I look forward to the opportunity to give back and help our guys reach their full potential.
Emotional Shifts and Changing Dynamics
Johnson realized that he was up for some significant emotional adjustments since he would now become a coach. As a player, he had very close ties with his teammates, which had to change since he was to become a mentor to them.
“I have to set some new boundaries with the guys I played alongside, but there’s also a level of trust and respect there that I think will make me an effective coach for them,” he noted.
Bringing such change in dynamics in a team is challenging to navigate, but Johnson is already starting it out in the best of fashions: open communication, and a clear vision of his role. He intends to be a coach who leads by example, just as he did as a player in the scarlet and black.
Leveraging a Deep Understanding of the Game
Perhaps one of Johnson’s best features in his new role as a coach is that he knows the defensive schemes and techniques that have become a hallmark of Texas Tech football.
As a four-year starter and two-time team captain, Johnson was the heart of the Red Raider defense.
“JahShawn has an incredible football IQ,” raved head coach Joey McGuire.
He sees the game in a way that very few do. Having him on our coaching staff to teach our young guys is invaluable.
Johnson plans to mine that deep understanding to help players grasp ideas and thus, in turn, make in-game adjustments. He does feel that this experience on the field can be translated into relatable coaching points.
Continuing a Legacy of Player-Turned-Coach Success
Johnson comes from a strong lineage of former Red Raiders who have achieved in the coaching field. The program has seen many players effectively leap coaching, from his position coach, Brett Dewhurst, to Texas Tech legend Wes Welker.
“I’ve been fortunate to have great examples of players turned coaches to look up to,” Johnson said.
They have shown me it’s possible to have an even greater impact on the program and the players in this new role.
Starting this new chapter, Johnson stands fast with the “Fearless Champions” ethos that had outlined his time at Texas Tech, both on and off the field.
Now hell-bent on accomplishing his mission to be one of the most significant waves of defensive standouts in Red Raider history, this is Coach Johnson.
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