Behind the Numbers: Florida Gators QB Coach Brian Johnson

By
Daniel Thompson
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The Florida Gators wore the white helmet for senior day- 1280x855
The Florida Gators wore the white helmet for senior day- Gator Country photo taken by David Bowie

With the Florida Gators looking to re-identify themselves on offense, it is all going to start at the quarterback position – a place the Gators have lacked an identity for the last seven years.

But not only have the Gators lacked quarterback identity, they’ve lacked development­, which has led to a lack of confidence, and ultimately, a lack of production.

The person now responsible for helping the Gators climb out of their seven-year slump is someone who has only been a coach for seven years – albeit, all seven of those his offenses ranked higher than the Gators offense did: new quarterbacks coach Brian Johnson.

Yes, the Brian Johnson that took over for Alex Smith at quarterback.

Yes, the Brian Johnson that graced the cover of NCAA Football 2010 for the Playstation 2.

And yes, the Brian Johnson that became the one of the youngest offensive coordinators in college football history at the age of 24.

Let’s take a look at some of statistical accomplishments of Johnson’s coaching career.

  • Johnson had three quarterbacks complete more than 64% of their passes on the season last season at Houston, with the minimum attempts at 105. Florida hasn’t had a quarterback complete more than 64% of his passes since Will Grier in 2015. Florida hasn’t had two-plus quarterbacks throw for more than 60% completion on the season since 2013.
  • Houston threw for 7.6 yards per attempt last season – something Florida hasn’t achieved higher than since 2009.
  • Houston ranked 5th in the AAC in passing plays that went 10+ yards (193) compared to Florida at 82.
  • At Mississippi State, Johnson’s quarterbacks had a 5.7/1 touchdown-to-interception ratio – a ratio Florida hasn’t had higher than since 2008.
  • In two of the three seasons Johnson was at Mississippi State they ranked in the top three in the SEC in passing offense.
  • In 2014 and 2015, Mississippi State ranked second in the SEC for passing plays that went 10+ yards and second (2014) and third (2015) in passes that went 20+ yards.
  • In 2016, Nick Fitzgerald at Mississippi State was one of only three players in the FBS that had 2,000 yards passing and 1,000 yards rushing. Fitzgerald also had three games with 300 yards passing and 100 yards rushing – the first time an SEC player has done that since Johnny Manziel.
  • In 2014, Johnson helped Mississippi State to the Orange Bowl and offensive school records in total offense, passing yards, passing touchdowns, and completions.

 

 

Daniel Thompson
Daniel Thompson
Dan Thompson is a 2010 graduate of the University Florida, graduating with a degree in Economics and a degree in Political Science. During this time at UF, Dan worked three years for the Florida Gator Football team as a recruiting ambassador. Dan dealt daily with prospects, NCAA guidelines, and coaching staff. Dan was also involved in Florida Blue Key, Student Government and Greek Life. Currently, Dan oversees the IT consulting practice of a Tampa-based company. Dan enjoys golfing, country music, bourbon, travel, oysters, and a medium-rare steak. Dan can be found on Twitter at @DK_Thompson.

2 COMMENTS

  1. DK, good stuff as always. I respect your opinion and knowledge and even futher that you can have an educated debate unlike a strong remnant of the message board folly. My largest concern with CDM offense is that if/when his teams play a team with comparable or superior talent, that neutralize his running game then his passing concepts are too simplistic and sole rely on his athletes being able to consistently make plays. My question is do you see CDM evolving or Brian Johnson being able to influence and add new fresh ideas to combat this issue?

    Thanks

  2. Thanks for reading. I think it is a wait and see. I am not sure how much more Brian Johnson learned at Houston to bring back to the table. I think a mixture of athletes Florida can get compared to Mississippi State will hopefully allow for some more complex plays on Offense — both rushing and passing.