Evergreen football coach Don Johnson Jr., has resigned his position and has accepted the coaching job at Madison High School in Portland.
“I had an opportunity that takes care of my household more than the one I have here,” Johnson said. “And I love challenges. It was something that was very, very interesting to me. I feel like I can make a change. Not just in the football program, but the community.”
Johnson was to have told his Evergreen players after school Friday. He submitted his resignation earlier in the day, according to Cale Piland, the athletic director for Evergreen Public Schools.
Johnson turned around the Milwaukie program in Oregon before working at Evergreen the past two seasons. The Plainsmen went 6-12 in his two seasons, but Johnson said the program is in better shape now than when he arrived.
“We built something here,” he said. “When I got here, there were 44 kids out. The last meeting I had, we had 162 total. We have a program at three levels. In my time here, five guys signed Division I scholarships.
“When I took over this house, I remodeled it to be more attractive to the next buyer.”
Piland said the hiring process will begin immediately.
“We’re always looking for someone who, first and foremost, has a passion for working with kids,” Piland said.
Madison’s athletic director, Adam Skyles, confirmed that Johnson had accepted the position. He said Johnson has a record of turning around programs.
“With our situation, we are excited to have someone come here and get the kids excited about playing football,” Skyles said. “We got a steal.”
Madison did not win a game last fall.
“They felt if anybody could fix that program, it would be me,” Johnson said. “They made me an offer. It was a better situation for me and my family.”
