When Dan Mullen made Brian Johnson the offensive coordinator prior to last season, it felt like nothing more than a ceremonial promotion.
Johnson was a promising up-and-comer within the coaching profession who had done an outstanding job recruiting and developing quarterbacks at Florida. He figured to be in demand for some high-profile jobs at the end of the season, and “offensive coordinator” would look better on a resume than “quarterbacks coach.”
Plus, Mullen had called plays throughout most of his head-coaching career and enjoyed tremendous success.
While Johnson continued to have a say in the play-calling last season, that’s exactly how it played out.