December 5, 2001

FURMAN'S JOHNSON NAMED AFCA
DIVISION I-AA REGION II COACH-OF-THE-YEAR

GREENVILLE -- Furman head football coach Bobby Johnson has been selected by the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) as its Division I-AA Region II Coach-of-the-Year, the organization announced today.

Johnson, who was accorded the same honor in 1996 and 1999, has compiled a 58-35 record in eight seasons and has directed Furman to a pair of Southern Conference championships and three NCAA I-AA playoff appearances. His current Paladin squad, which boasts a 10-2 record, hosts Lehigh this Saturday in the quarterfinal round of the NCAA I-AA playoffs after beating Western Kentucky, 24-20, in a first round playoff game last Saturday.

Selected by vote of I-AA coaches in the region, Johnson is one of five regional coach-of-the-year winners who will be considered for national coach-of-the-year honors, which will be announced at the AFCA national convention in San Antonio, Texas, on Jan. 8.

A Columbia, S.C., native and 1973 graduate of Clemson, Johnson has coached at Furman for 24 years, serving the capacities of defensive backs coach, defensive coordinator, assistant head coach, and head coach.