DENVER – Longtime assistant coach Erik Johnson has been named the eighth head coach of the University of Denver women’s basketball program, Vice Chancellor for Athletics and Recreation and Ritchie Center Operations Peg Bradley-Doppes announced Wednesday afternoon.

“We are thrilled to name Erik Johnson as the eighth head coach of the Denver women’s basketball program,” Bradley-Doppes said. “Erik comes highly-regarded to DU and is a student of the game. He’s a strong recruiter and has a very high basketball IQ. He shares our vision and passion of DU becoming the premier women’s basketball program in the Rocky Mountain region.”

"I am excited to join the DU family as head coach of the women's basketball program," Johnson said. "I'd like to thank Peg, the Board of Trustees and the entire DU community for this tremendous opportunity. My family and I are anxious to get started on the next era of DU women's basketball."

Johnson comes to DU after serving as an assistant coach at Boston College of the Atlantic Coast Conference for the past three seasons. While at BC, Johnson assisted head coach Cathy Ingeles, as the Eagles advanced to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament in 2006 and finished with a 21-11 record. Johnson helped guide a young 2007-08 BC team to a 21-12 record and to the quarterfinals of the WNIT.

While at Boston College, Johnson worked closely with the guards and perimeter players, assisted with recruiting, developed defensive strategy, and broke down post-game film.

Before spending three seasons at BC, Johnson spent seven seasons as a member of the coaching staff at the University of San Diego of the West Coast Conference, first as an assistant (1998-2002) and then as associate head coach (2002-05).

While with the Toreros, Johnson specialized in player development with a focus on post players. He was also responsible for coordinating all aspects of recruiting, scouting opponents and fundraising.

During his time, San Diego won the 2000 WCC title and appeared in the subsequent NCAA Tournament.

Prior to his post in San Diego, Johnson was a volunteer assistant (1994-95) and assistant (1995-98) at the University of Rhode Island. While there, the Rams were the 1996 Atlantic 10 East Division Champions and appeared in that year's NCAA Tournament.

Johnson graduated from the University of California-San Diego in 1994 with a degree in psychology and a minor in teaching. He helped the Tritons to three NCAA Division III Tournaments, including a trip to the Sweet 16 in the 1990-91 season. He received a master's degree in adult education with an area of specialization in physical education from the University of Rhode Island in 1997.

Johnson and his wife, Laura, have two daughters Daly, Avery and son Davis.

THE JOHNSON FILE
College

UC-San Diego (1994) - Bachelor's degree
University of Rhode Island (1997) - Master's degree

Coaching Experience

Playing Experience
Four-year letter winner on the UC-San Diego basketball team (1990-1994)
Team captain (1994)
Three NCAA Tournament appearances, including a Division III Sweet Sixteen
Set career and single-season record for three-point shots made
Team captain for eight-game tour of China and Hong Kong (1993)