Johnson Accepts Head Coach Position at Louisiana Tech University

NEW ORLEANS – New Orleans Privateers head track and field coach, Brian Johnson has accepted the head coaching position at Louisiana Tech University starting in July after a four-year stint on the Lakefront that saw massive improvement each year. Assistant coach Brock Moreaux has been named interim head coach. 
 
Over Johnson's four-year span with the Privateers, he has transformed women's and men's track and field and cross country into championship contending programs in the Southland Conference and the squad just completed its most successful season to date. 
 
Ismael Kone became the first Privateer in school history to qualify for the NCAA Outdoor Championships in multiple events and he broke the 10-second barrier (9.94) during an incredible spring campaign. 
 
The record-setting season continued with Johnson leading the men's track and field program to a top 50 national ranking (46) and a #5 national ranking in the men's 100-meter event group on two separate occasions. 

"I can't express how much I've enjoyed working with the Privateer community and value the friendship everyone has shown me over the past 4 years ", said Johnson. "I've learned so much as a coach and as a person at New Orleans, and I will never forget the incredible memories I've made along the way."
 
"We truly appreciate Brian's leadership of our track and field and cross country programs for the past four seasons," said Tim Duncan, vice president of athletics and recreation. 

During the 2021-22 season, under Johnson's leadership, the Privateers women cross country team placed second at the Southland Conference Championships -- their best finish since joining the SLC. Also, Arina Kleshchukova added to a decorated career by qualifying for the cross country national championships. 
 
The Privateers took the momentum to the spring and both the men's and women's teams recorded their highest finishes at the Southland Indoor and Outdoor Championships. The men finished fourth in indoor and fifth in outdoor while the women finished fifth in indoor and fourth in outdoor.

In addition, Johnson guided six student-athletes to the NCAA East Preliminaries to compete in the 4x100m relay, 100m and the 200m - the most student-athletes to compete at regionals in program history. 

"While this concludes my journey at New Orleans, my relationships with the amazing coaches and administration will continue," adds Johnson. "Don't hesitate to reach out! I wish everyone continued success. "
 
"Brian's dedication to the university, the athletic department and most importantly to Privateer student-athletes has been tremendous," said Duncan. "In addition to being a wonderful coach, he was a great member of the Privateer community.  He was often present at volleyball, basketball, baseball and tennis, our other on-campus sports.  His support for the coaches and student-athletes of other programs was noticed and appreciated by all.  I am and always will be a fan of Brian and wish him the best in this next step of his career."

"I have spoken with assistant coach Brock Moreaux and he will serve as interim head coach as we conduct a national search for the next leader of Privateer track & field/cross country," stated Duncan. "He will be focused on supporting our student-athletes throughout this brief transition."

Johnson will start his new position on July 1.

		2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	TOTAL
Southland Conference Champions (XC)		-	-	-	1	-	1
Southland Conference Runner-Up (XC)		-	-	1	-	1	2
Southland Conference Top-10 Athletes (XC)		-	-	3	2	1	6
NCAA South Central Regional Athletes (XC)		-	-	N/A	4	8	12
NCAA National Championships Athletes (XC)		-	-	-	1	-	1
Southland Conference Champions (T&F)		12	3	1	-	X	16
Southland Silver Medal Winners (T&F)		13	9	-	-	X	22
Southland Bronze Medal Winners (T&F)		6	4	3	3	X	16
NCAA East Preliminary Round Athletes (T&F)		6	4	N/A	2	X	12
NCAA National Championship Athletes (T&F)		1	1	-	-	X	2