NFL, College Legend Pepper Johnson Named IMG Academy Head Coach

Johnson was promoted after one season as the Ascenders’ defensive coordinator.

After serving as the program’s defensive coordinator last season, former Ohio State linebacker Thomas “Pepper” Johnson announced on Wednesday that he has been promoted to head coach at Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy. The program later confirmed in a press release. 

"IMG Academy has built an incredible program that has attracted some of the most talented high school players in the country,” said Johnson. “I’m looking forward to moving into the Head Coach position where I can play an even greater role in helping shape their futures by imparting what I’ve learned in my decades as both player and coach at the highest levels of the game.”

Johnson replaces Bobby Acosta, who led the Ascenders to an unblemished national championship last fall but recently accepted the same job at Del Valle (Texas) High School. 

“We’re excited to welcome Pepper into the Head Coach role after witnessing the positive impact he has had on the development of our student-athletes in his role as Defensive Coordinator,” remarked IMG Academy Athletic Director Scott Dean. “Pepper brings more than 30 years of collegiate and NFL playing and coaching experience, having personally guided the careers of more than a dozen Pro Bowl athletes, and we’re looking forward to watching him guide our National Team into the 2021 season.”

Several current IMG Academy prospects, who have experienced Johnson as a coach in some capacity over the last year, expressed excitement for the news. 

"I have a great relationship with Coach Pep, he's a great coach and he really cares about us," IMG quarterback AJ Duffy said. "I'm fired up for this season!"

The 56-year-old Johnson played four seasons at Ohio State from 1982-85, recording 379 tackles, 12 tackles for loss and five sacks. He was a two-time team captain and earned All-American honors as a senior.

Johnson was selected by the New York Giants with the 51st overall pick in the second round of the 1986 NFL Draft and won Super Bowl XXI and XXV with the franchise. He also played for the Cleveland Browns, Detroit Lions and New York Jets before retiring in 1998.

A two-time Pro Bowler, Johnson finished his professional career with 983 tackles, 25.5 sacks, 14 interceptions and 12 forced fumbles across 13 seasons.

Johnson quickly transitioned into the coaching ranks as he was named the assistant linebackers coach with the New England Patriots in 2000. He served in various roles for the franchise over the next 14 seasons, including linebackers or defensive line coach, and added three more Super Bowls titles (XXXVI, XXXVIII and XXXIX) to his resume.

"He's a player's coach, real old school, but willing to do anything to make us better and to have a good time!" offensive lineman Tyler Booker said. "He's going to demand the most out of us." 

Johnson also spent time as the defensive line coach for the Buffalo Bills in 2014 and Jets from 2015-16 before stints as the defensive coordinator for the Alliance of American Football’s Memphis Express football in 2019 and linebackers coach for the XFL’s Los Angeles Wildcats in 2020.

Johnson now follows in the footsteps of former Florida State quarterback and 2000 Heisman Trophy winner Chris Weinke, high school coaching legend Kevin Wright and Acosta at IMG Academy, which has gone 104-5 since the program started in 2013.

Additionally, Johnson is the father of former Ohio State fullback Dionte Johnson (2004-07). Together, they were just the third father-son duo to be named team captains during their time with the Buckeyes, joining Jim and Kirk Herbstreit and James and Jeff Davidson. 

"He’s a really tough loving coach," linebacker Malik Bryant said. "Definitely wants the best from you and out of you love him as a head coach and father figure."

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