By Daniel Johnson, Sports Writer
The football program added former Wichita Falls High School head coach Jason Johns as the new defensive coordinator to help restructure the Wildcats coaching staff for the 2006 season.
“Coach Johns is really passionate about the game of football and helping our players develop on and off the field,” said head coach Chris Thomsen.
After coaching in Wichita Falls for five years, Johns, a former player and graduate assistant at Lone Star Conference rival Angelo Sate, will take over for veteran coach Jerry Wilson to coordinate the defense. Wilson will stay on staff as defensive line coach and special teams coordinator with the help of Nathan Headrick.
Coming out of a successful 4A high school program, Johns said he is hopeful his addition and experience with the Lone Star Conference will help the Wildcats find future success.
“I am excited to be working for coach Thomsen and such a great program; Thomsen is a tremendous coach, recruiter, and human being.” Johns said.
Thomsen and Johns have worked together in the past under former Wichita Falls head coach Leo Brittain in 2001. Thomsen was the offensive coordinator, and Johns was the defensive coordinator.
Johns graduated from Angelo State in 1996 and assisted in Olney before returning for two years as a graduate assistant at ASU, eventually coaching for Wichita Falls.
Thomsen said he is hopeful that Johns’ passion and experience will help contribute to success in the upcoming season. After a disappointing 2-4 conference record in 2005, the Wildcats are optimistic for Thomsen’s second season at the helm.
The hiring of Johns supplements the reshuffling of the Wildcats coaching staff. Returning coach Desmond Gant will coach defensive safeties, while former defensive line coach Colby Carthel shifts sides of the ball to coach ACU’s running backs. Ken Collums returns as quarterbacks coach and offensive coordinator, as new full-time assistant Brandon Avants coaches the offensive line and graduate assistant Steve Fox helps coach linebackers.
