University of Charleston Athletics

Zack Johnson enters his fifth season at The University of Charleston as the Linebacker Coach and second season as Defensive Coordinator. The Golden Eagles defense has been one of the top defenses in the country the past three seasons and have finished top in the conference in all defensive categories. In addition, a linebacker has led the team in tackles the past three years. Coach Johnson has developed seven All Conference Linebackers since his time at Charleston and one Cliff Harris Award Nominee Jalen Nelson.

During the 4 games of the 2021 Spring Season the defense under Coach Johnson game up an average of 21 points a game. They were second in the MEC in yards given up with an average of 291 total yards a game, 115 rushing yards a game, and 176 passing yards a game. Opponents were only converting 24% of 3rd downs. The UC defense finished the spring season with 8 All-Conference players.

Prior to coaching at Charleston, Coach Johnson spent the 2016 football season at Ohio University where he served as a Defensive Graduate Assistant. Ohio's defense was ranked No. 1 in the Mid-American Conference, and was a top 5 rushing defense in the country. He helped the development of NFL Draft picks Quinten Poling and Blair Brown. Johnson helped coach the Bobcats to an 8-6 record and a trip to the 2016 Dollar General Bowl. The Morgantown, West Virginia native graduated from West Virginia University in 2015 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education/Health Education and minors in Special Education and History. While at WVU he served as a student assistant on defense with the linebackers from 2012-2015. He helped with the development of NFL Draft pick Nick Kwiatkowski. During his final season at West Virginia the Mountaineers claimed the 2015 Cactus Bowl championship. Zack is married to Morgantown, WV native Kaylynn Petrisin. They reside in Charleston, WV with their son Micah.