Mission Viejo could announce its new football coach today, Dec. 13, around 5 p.m. after approval from the Saddleback Valley Unified School District, Diablos athletic director Troy Roelen said in an e-mail Tuesday night.
Roelen categorized the likelihood of the announcement as probable.
The Diablos’ hire will replace legendary coach Bob Johnson, who retired after this season as the Orange County leader in coaching victories and CIF-SS championships.
Johnson said before retiring that his sons, Bret and Rob, would not apply for the position. Most of the speculation for a replacement has focused on St. John Bosco offensive coordinator Chad Johnson, who has strong ties to the Saddleback Valley area.
Mission Viejo to announce football head coach soon, as early as tomorrow evening. Anticipating your question- I expect that SJ Bosco asst Chad Johnson is the choice @ocvarsity @ocvarsityguy
— Steve Fryer (@SteveFryer) December 13, 2017
Chad Johnson played football at El Toro under Mike Milner and coached at Trabuco Hills as Jason Negro’s top assistant before departing with Negro for St. John Bosco in 2010.
At St. John Bosco, Johnson has coached quarterbacks such as top NFL prospect Josh Rosen of UCLA and been part of two CIF-SS Division 1 championships.
Mission Viejo’s job offers a winning tradition, Division 1 competition, a large on-campus stadium, a supportive fan base and strong youth football leagues in its area.
The Diablos won their first 12 games this season before falling to eventual Division 1 champion Mater Dei in the semifinals.
One key question for Mission Viejo’s next coach will be assembling a staff, which was one of Bob Johnson’s strengths. With Bret and Rob — mainstay offensive coordinators — seemingly out of the picture and Bob Johnson’s strong ties to many veteran and loyal assistant coaches, the new coach could have to attract many coaches.
Mission Viejo’s Brett Paton has served as the team’s veteran defensive coordinator. But with so many positives about the position, that question could be easily answered.
Please send football news to Dan Albano at dalbano@scng.com or @ocvarsityguy on Twitter
