Marcus Johnson added to Missouri football staff

Missouri football head coach Eliah Drinkwitz appears to have completed his coaching staff, bringing in Marcus Johnson as an offensive assistant coach, the school announced Friday. Johnson comes to Mizzou after two years in Starkville as an Offensive Line coach under former Mississippi State coach Joe Moorhead.

“I’m absolutely excited about the opportunity to work with Coach Drink and be part of the Mizzou program,” Johnson said in a release from the school. ”I think Coach Drink is one of the top young, innovative coaches out there, and this is an amazing opportunity for me to continue to grow and develop in the profession. My family and I are looking forward to this new chapter in our lives and I’m excited to get to work learning everything I need to know about Missouri.”

Prior to taking the job at Mississippi State, Johnson was on staff at Duke, serving various roles from 2011-17 under his former college coach, David Cutcliffe, ranging from assistant strength & conditioning coach to offensive quality control assistant, before being promoted to offensive line coach in 2016.

“I’m excited to add Marcus and his family to our family at Mizzou,” Drinkwitz said. ”The experience he brings as a player and coach in the SEC, coupled with the success he’s had as a player in the NFL and developing a lot of guys who have made it to that next level, make this a great hire for our program.”

Johnson was an All-SEC offensive lineman at Ole Miss, and later played in 53 NFL games (making 18 starts) over five years with Minnesota and Tampa Bay. Taken as a second round draft pick by the Vikings in 2005, he spent four seasons there, helping the Vikings to a division title and playoff berth in 2008. After a year with Buccaneers, Johnson played with the Hartford Colonials of the United Football League to close out his playing career.

With Johnson’s hire, Drinkwitz’s first staff should be complete. While details regarding his specific job title and contract have yet to be released, one would think he will become the much-awaited offensive line coach, given his experience.

Welcome, Coach!