Azusa Pacific University Athletics

Matt Johnson is in his eighth year on the Cougar coaching staff in 2017. After spending his first five seasons working with the defensive line, he switched to the offensive side of the ball to work with tight ends and H-backs since the 2015 season.
 
In 2016, his second year with tight ends, Johnson coached All-GNAC first team tight end Josiah Thropay, who was the fourth-leading receiver in the Cougars’ passing attack with 17 catches for 225 yards and four touchdowns. During his first two years working with the defensive line, Azusa Pacific’s defensive line featured Jake Jones, who ranked second in the NAIA in sacks in 2010 (10.5) and posted the NAIA’s highest two-year individual sack total (18.5) over his final two seasons (2010-11).
 
Johnson spent two seasons (2007 and 2008) as a defensive lineman for the Cougars, appearing in 21 games and starting the final 19. He tallied 93 tackles in his career, including 6.5 QB sacks and 14.0 tackles for loss.
 
Prior to arrival at Azusa Pacific he played two seasons at Citrus Community College in Glendora, Calif., where he was an All-Western States Conference honoree as a 2005 sophomore.
 
He prepped at West Covina (Calif.) High where he was a three-sport standout, including a two-time All-San Antonio League first team pick in football. He was a CIF champion in wrestling as a 2004 senior and a runner-up in 2003. He also lettered in baseball and track & field. In recent years he has served as a wrestling coach at West Covina High.
 
Johnson graduated from Azusa Pacific in 2008 with a bachelor's degree in physical education, and he is working towards a master's degree in educational leadership. He was the 2013 Teacher of the Year at Canyon Oaks High School in Monrovia, where he teaches physical education and health.
 
Johnson, 31, and his wife Helen, who is also an Azusa Pacific graduate, reside in Monrovia. They have two daughters, Paisley (3) and Olive (born 2017).