Conference: SEC
Coach Stats
Why should this nominee be considered for the Broyles Award?
“Brian Johnson is the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks’ coach for the high-powered Florida Gators offense, which ranks statistically as one of the best offenses in the FBS, as well as SEC and school history. Johnson’s presence has been felt on campus since he arrived in December of 2017 and has recruited and developed the best quarterback unit Florida has seen since Tim Tebow was on campus. Johnson’s contribution to the offense led head coach Dan Mullen to name him offensive coordinator just before the 2020 season. In his first season as offensive coordinator, Johnson has coached up a Heisman Trophy candidate in Kyle Trask and one of the top pass catchers in the nation in Kyle Pitts. Johnson’s offense, both individually and as a unit, has put up record-breaking numbers all season long.”
Coach's Past Performance
Johnson has spent time coaching at Utah (2010-2013) as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks’ coach, Mississippi State (2014-2016) as the QB’s coach and Houston (2017) as the OC and QB’s coach before arriving at Florida in December of 2017. Johnson helped mentor Dallas Cowboys’ quarterback Dak Prescott at MSU before heading to Houston for one season and helped lead the Cougars’ offense to 436.1 yards per game. Florida’s passing offense, which had been non-existent prior to Johnson’s arrival, returned to glory in 2018 as Feleipe Franks put together the best season for a Florida quarterback since Tim Tebow wore the Orange & Blue. In addition, there was a sizeable improvement in the Gators’ passing attack from 2017 to 2018, with Franks’ numbers speaking for themselves. In 2017 without Johnson, Franks threw for 1,438 yards, nine touchdowns and eight interceptions in 11 games. In Johnson’s first year in 2018, Franks threw for 2,457 yards, 24 touchdowns and only six interceptions in 13 games. In 2019, Kyle Trask threw for 2,941 yards, 25 touchdowns and only seven interceptions in 12 games.
Team Record and Standings
Florida is 7-1 this season and on track to win the SEC East and play in the SEC Championship Game. The Gators are ranked No. 5 in the Coaches Poll and No. 6 in the AP Poll and the College Football Playoff rankings. UF has won five-straight games, including a victory over No. 9 Georgia. Florida’s lone loss this season came at No. 5 Texas A&M early in the year by a score of 41-38. The Gators have beaten four SEC opponents by 20-plus points in the same season for the first time since 2008.
Team/Unit Stats
Johnson’s offense is the No. 12 total offense (509.3 yards per game) and the No. 10 scoring offense (43.4 points per game) in the FBS against a schedule consisting entirely of teams from the Southeastern Conference. Johnson’s offense is the No. 2 passing offense in the FBS, averaging 369.6 passing yards per game. The passing efficiency rating of Florida’s offense is 193.53, good for No. 5 in the FBS. To complement its air attack, the Gators average 139.63 yards rushing per game as well. Florida’s 347 points this season marks its fifth-highest total through eight games in school history. Florida has six consecutive games of 400-plus yards against SEC opponents for the first time since a six-game stretch which started in 2001. The Gators’ seven games of 400-plus total yards against SEC opponents this year are the most they’ve posted against SEC teams in a season since 2004 (also seven times). Florida has more than 35 passing touchdowns in a season for the first time since 2001. Florida has six consecutive 300-yard passing games for the first time since a 14-game streak which began with the 2001 Sugar Bowl.
Individual Player Stats
Johnson coaches several individuals that could be up for some serious hardware including quarterback Kyle Trask, tight end Kyle Pitts and wide receiver Kadarius Toney. Through eight games, Trask has thrown for 2,810 yards (No. 4 in FBS), 34 touchdowns (No. 1 in FBS) and has a passer rating of 196.79 (No. 5 in FBS). Trask has more than 20 weekly honors and was named to numerous preseason watch lists/teams. Pitts is regarded as the top tight end in the country and has the stats to show it. In only six games played, Pitts has 11 touchdown receptions (No. 4 in FBS) which is the most for any TE in the country. Pitts is one of eight SEC players since the start of 2000 with multiple games of three receiving touchdowns in a season. The other seven are all receivers. Toney complements Pitts in the offense well with 45 catches (No. 31 in FBS), 541 yards receiving (No. 50 in FBS) and seven receiving touchdowns (No. 16 in FBS). Johnson’s offense is well-equipped to spread the ball around as Pitts, Toney, Trevon Grimes, Malik Davis and Justin Shorter all have at least 19 receptions and over 200 yards receiving.
