He was one of the players that helped Nick Saban start the unprecedented run of national championship at the University of Alabama and now, Nico Johnson has been granted an opportunity to forge his own coaching career.
A native of Andalusia, Ala., Johnson played outside linebacker under Saban from 2009 to 2012 as a four-star prospect. He would improve each season in total tackles – including a mark of 55 stops in his senior year.
RELATED: Landon Collins, New York Giants not on same page for new contract
Johnson boasted a total of 162 tackles, 16.5 tackles for loss, seven pass breakups, two sacks and two interceptions in his career. He was a three-time BCS national championship and assisted a Crimson Tide defense that led college football in all five major categories during the 2011 season: a year where the team allowed 8.2 points a game.
He was selected in the fourth round of the 2013 NFL Draft to the Kansas City Chiefs, and although his dreams did not pan out in the pros, a former Tide assistant in Billy Napier has need of Johnson. Per a report from Barton Simmons of CBS Sports, he is joining Napier’s staff at Louisiana as a defensive quality control coach.
Source: Former Bama and 5-yr veteran NFL linebacker Nico Johnson is joining Billy Napier’s staff at Louisiana as Defensive Quality Control.
— Barton Simmons (@bartonsimmons) February 21, 2019
The Ragin’ Cajuns finished 2018 at 7-7, giving up 34.2 points a game.
Hopefully, the addition of Johnson will improve its defense.
*Get the BEST Alabama football insider information, message board access, and recruiting coverage today! SIGN UP HERE to unlock our subscriber only content!*
Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
