FOOTBALL

Evangelical Christian School Announces New Head Football Coach

Evangelical Christian School is pleased to announce the appointment of Ben Johnson as the new Head Football Coach.

Coach Johnson brings a strong record of competitive success, player development and Christian leadership to the ECS football program. Most recently, he served as Head Football Coach at South Gibson County High School (2022–2025), where he led the program to become 2025 Region 7-4A Champions and the first state semifinal appearance in school history. In 2025, he was named Region 7-4A Coach of the Year and received statewide recognition as Gridiron Blitz Report Coach of the Year (3A/4A/5A).

Prior to South Gibson County, Coach Johnson served at Westview High School as Varsity Defensive Coordinator (2020-2021 season) and Head Strength and Conditioning Coach (2019-2021). Under his defensive leadership, Westview reduced points allowed from 34.5 per game in 2019 to just 11.8 per game in 2021, culminating in a TSSAA 2A State Championship.

His coaching experience also includes time at UT Martin, Trinity Christian Academy, Martin Middle School, and work as a sport performance coach with The Sidelines. He holds a Master’s Degree in Education (Initial Licensure) and a Bachelor of Science in Health and Human Performance with a concentration in Sport Management, both from the University of Tennessee at Martin. He is also a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) through the National Strength and Conditioning Association.

As a former standout collegiate athlete, Johnson was an All-American linebacker at UT Martin in 2013, three-time All-OVC First Team selection, and the Ohio Valley Conference leader in tackles from 2011–2013. He later signed as a free agent with the Kansas City Chiefs.

“We are really excited to have Ben Johnson leading our football program at ECS,” said Head of School Scott Hauss. “We are grateful for his passion for building meaningful relationships, instilling discipline and shaping servant-leaders who honor God and serve others which aligns perfectly with our mission at ECS.”

Coach Johnson said, “We are very excited to be able to share in the mission of ECS and to be able to develop young men for Christ through the sport of football.”

Scott Vogel, ECS Athletics Director added, "We could not be more excited to have Coach Johnson and his family joining the ECS community. I feel confident he will represent the ECS athletics mission well with excellence and integrity while inspiring leadership and spiritual growth among our student-athletes."

ECS has a storied football history, tying Memphis University School with most football state championships (five) in the Memphis area. ECS looks forward to the leadership, energy and vision Coach Johnson brings as the school continues its commitment to excellence in athletics and discipleship.

Coach Johnson is married to his wife, Emily, and they have three children ages seven, three and one.