Coach

With Johnson and his fiery demeanor leading the defensive line, it’s no surprise that the Chargers’ defense was the NFL’s best in 2010. Tackle Antonio Garay led the way as the Chargers ranked first in total defense, second in sacks and fourth in run defense. First acquainted in Chicago, Johnson oversaw Garay’s breakout year in which he was named a Pro Bowl alternate after setting career-highs and leading the Chargers’ defensive line in tackles, sacks, tackles for loss and quarterback hits. He’s the latest prodigy to be coached by Johnson, who also tutored two-time Pro Bowl tackle Tommie Harris with the Bears.

Johnson came to the Chargers from the Windy City where he coached a 2006 squad that won the NFC title and played in Super Bowl XLI.

A former participant in the NFL’s Minority Internship Coaching Program with the San Francisco 49ers, Johnson helped coach Riverside Community College to four bowl games and a junior college national championship in 1989.

A native of Newark, New Jersey, Johnson played linebacker at Butler Community College and Jersey City State in the mid-1970s, later earning a free agent tryout with the New York Jets. He ended up playing for the USFL’s New Jersey Generals.

Johnson has spent 26 years as a high school and college basketball official, including eight at the NCAA Division I level. He was the president of the Orange County (Calif.) Basketball Officials Association for four years and the California Basketball Officials Association for two.

Johnson and his wife, Deborah, have two daughters, Denise and Leanna, and one son, Don, Jr. Another son, Duane, died in an automobile accident in 2002.