Kevin Johns has rapidly become a pivotal figure in the Duke Blue Devils football program since his arrival in January 2022 as Offensive Coordinator and Quarterbacks Coach. With over a decade of experience orchestrating potent offenses, Johns wasted no time in making his mark in Durham, most notably mentoring quarterback Riley Leonard to All-ACC accolades in his very first season.
Leonard’s transformation under Johns was nothing short of remarkable. In his debut season as Duke’s starting quarterback, Leonard showcased exceptional talent, completing 250 of 392 passes for an impressive 2,967 yards and 20 touchdowns. His dual-threat capability was equally evident on the ground, where he led the team in rushing with 699 yards and an additional 13 touchdowns. Leonard’s stellar performance positioned him among the ACC’s elite, ranking third in total offensive yards per game and consistently placing high in passing categories like completion percentage, passing yards, and touchdown passes. Statistically, Leonard shattered Duke’s single-season records, setting new benchmarks for total touchdowns responsible for (33), games with a touchdown pass (12), and touchdown-to-interception ratio, highlighting the immediate impact of Kevin Johns‘ coaching.
The overall offensive transformation of the Blue Devils under Kevin Johns‘ leadership is undeniable. In a single season, Duke leaped from the bottom of the ACC in scoring offense in 2021 to a respectable fifth place in 2022. Similar significant jumps were observed in total touchdowns and passing touchdowns, moving to fifth and seventh in the conference, respectively. The team’s efficiency also saw dramatic improvement, with pass efficiency rising from 11th to fifth and total offense climbing from seventh to fourth in the ACC rankings. This swift turnaround underscores Kevin Johns‘ ability to implement effective offensive strategies and develop quarterback talent.
Before joining Duke, Kevin Johns spent three seasons as the Offensive Coordinator and Quarterbacks Coach at the University of Memphis, further cementing his reputation for offensive excellence. During his tenure, the Memphis Tigers consistently boasted a high-scoring offense, ranking among the top five in the American Athletic Conference (AAC) each year. Notably, in his final season, Memphis averaged over 30 points per game and ranked second in the AAC in passing offense with nearly 299 yards per game. The Tigers’ offensive prowess extended to total yards and first downs, consistently placing them among the conference leaders. In 2020, Memphis’ offense was nationally recognized, ranking 22nd in total offense and 17th in passing offense, showcasing Kevin Johns‘ capability to build nationally competitive offensive units. Memphis’ offensive highlights under Johns included multiple games exceeding 500 total yards, including a record-setting 703 yards against Central Florida in a thrilling comeback victory. His impact at Memphis is further evidenced by the team’s top-20 national rankings in multiple offensive categories during his first season, including passing yards, scoring offense, and total offense. Kevin Johns‘ time at Memphis saw him mentor numerous players to All-AAC honors and All-American accolades, demonstrating his skill in player development and offensive scheme design.
Prior to his successful stint at Memphis, Kevin Johns served as the Offensive Coordinator at Texas Tech University in 2018. In his single season with the Red Raiders, he engineered an offense that ranked fourth nationally in passing yards per game and 12th in total yards per game. Texas Tech’s scoring offense also flourished under his guidance, averaging over 37 points per game, the fourth-best in the Big 12 Conference. This brief yet impactful tenure further underscores Kevin Johns‘ consistent ability to elevate offensive performance across different programs. Before Texas Tech, Kevin Johns also held the Offensive Coordinator and Quarterbacks Coach position at Western Michigan University in 2017. The Broncos’ offense under his direction was ranked 25th nationally in scoring and 21st in rushing yards per game, highlighting his versatility in developing both passing and running attacks.
Kevin Johns‘ extensive coaching journey also includes a significant six-year period at Indiana University from 2011 to 2016. During the latter half of his time there, he served as the sole Offensive Coordinator, having joined initially as co-offensive coordinator. His impact on the Hoosiers’ offense was transformative, with the program rewriting an astounding 54 school records during his tenure. These records spanned across points, total yards, passing yards, and rushing yards, demonstrating a comprehensive offensive revitalization. The 2015 season was particularly notable, with Indiana leading the Big Ten in scoring offense, averaging over 36 points per game. That year, the Hoosiers boasted a 3,500-yard passer, two 1,000-yard rushers, and a 1,000-yard receiver, a testament to Kevin Johns‘ ability to create a balanced and explosive offensive attack. His time at Indiana also saw him coach multiple players who went on to the NFL, further solidifying his reputation as a developer of talent.
Earlier in his career, Kevin Johns had two stints at Northwestern University, totaling a decade with the Wildcats. His second tenure from 2004 to 2010 saw him progress through various roles, including running backs coach, wide receivers coach, recruiting coordinator, and ultimately, Passing Game Coordinator. His diverse responsibilities at Northwestern highlight his broad coaching skillset and adaptability. Before returning to Northwestern, Johns gained experience at the University of Richmond, coaching both defensive ends and wide receivers, and at Piqua High School in Ohio.
As a player, Kevin Johns was a standout quarterback at the University of Dayton, earning Division I-AA All-America honors and being named Football Gazette Player of the Year in 1996. He was a two-time First Team All-Pioneer Football League selection and graduated as Dayton’s all-time leader in total offensive yardage and passing efficiency. His playing accolades provide a strong foundation for his coaching expertise, offering him a player’s perspective on offensive strategy and execution. Kevin Johns holds both a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Dayton and a master’s degree in educational administration from Northwestern, underscoring his commitment to both athletic and academic excellence.
Kevin Johns is married to Krista Tilley and is the father of three sons. His family life further grounds his dedication and work ethic, qualities that are clearly reflected in his successful coaching career.
The Kevin Johns File
- Hometown: Piqua, Ohio
- Education: Dayton, 1998 (mathematics), Northwestern, 2001 (educational administration)
- Wife: Krista Tilley
- Children: Logan, Tyler, and Carter
- Birthday: December 4, 1975
John’s Coaching Career
- 2022-pres. – Duke (Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks)
- 2019-21 – Memphis (Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks)
- 2018 – Texas Tech (Offensive Coordinator/Inside Receivers/Tight Ends)
- 2017 – Western Michigan (Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks)
- 2014-16 – Indiana (Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks/Wide Receivers)
- 2011-13 – Indiana (Co-Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks/Wide Receivers)
- 2008-10 – Northwestern (Passing Game Coordinator/Wide Receivers)
- 2006-07 – Northwestern (Wide Receivers/Recruiting Coordinator)
- 2004-05 – Northwestern (Running Backs)
- 2003 – Richmond (Defensive Ends)
- 2002 – Richmond (Wide Receivers)
- 1999-2001 – Northwestern (Graduate Assistant/Offense)
- 1998 – Piqua High School [Ohio] (Quarterbacks/Defensive Secondary)
