Gardner-Webb welcomes Tyler Johns in his first season as the Offensive Line Coach and Offensive Coordinator.
He comes to Boiling Springs after recently finishing his fifth season as the Offensive Coordinator and Offensive Line coach at Tiffin University
The 2023 season marked a historic achievement for Tiffin as the Dragons finished the regular season with a perfect 11-0 record, securing their 3rd GMAC title in 5 seasons and advancing to the second round of the NCAA playoffs. Under the guidance of Johns, the offense showcased its prowess by ranking Top 10 nationally in scoring offense, total offense, rushing offense, and first downs generated. Impressively, the offense also claimed Top 20 spots nationally in completion percentage, third down conversion rate, and fewest turnovers. Three of Tiffin's offensive linemen earned a spot on the All-GMAC team, with center Shane Bumgardner being further recognized on the All-Region and All-American teams.
In the 2022 season, Johns oversaw an offense that led the GMAC in scoring offense and total offense, while also securing a second-place finish in rushing offense.
During the fall of 2021, Johns played a crucial role in guiding an offensive unit that led the GMAC in scoring offense and passing offense. The team also ranked second in yards per game. Quarterback Nick Watson's stellar performance earned him the title of GMAC Offensive Player of the Year.
In the Spring of 2021, Johns helped lead the Dragons to their second consecutive GMAC title with the conference's top offense. Tiffin dominated the GMAC in total offense, passing offense, and offensive efficiency, while ranking second in rushing offense. The remarkable trio of Nick Watson, Devin Butler, and Trent Clark earned accolades as GMAC Player of the Year, GMAC Offensive Player of the Year, and GMAC Offensive Lineman of the Year, respectively.
In 2019, Johns played a pivotal role in the 2019 GMAC Championship, where the offensive line achieved an average of 245 rushing yards/game, the team’s highest average in 13 seasons. This paved the way for JaQuan Hardy to earn multiple All-American honors and become a Harlon Hill Award Nominee.
Before joining Tiffin, Johns spent two successful seasons at Ohio Dominican University, where he coached the offensive line and served as the recruiting coordinator. During his tenure, the Panthers claimed the 2017 GMAC Championship, while achieving seven All-GMAC and three All-Region award winners on the Offensive Line. Tackle Zack Williams earned All-American honors in 2017 and became a Gene Upshaw Award Nominee. The ODU offense’s dominance was evident with top 10 national rankings in 10 different offensive categories over a two season span.
Prior to ODU, Johns served for three years as a Graduate Assistant at the University of Illinois. While there, Illinois was a 2014 Heart of Dallas Bowl Participant and he helped mentor several offensive linemen who transitioned to the NFL level.
Johns began his coaching career at Iowa Western Community College, where he assisted with the offensive line, tight ends, and strength and conditioning program. The team's notable achievements included a No. 2 national ranking in 2013, top 10 national rankings in six offensive categories, and secured the 2013 Graphic Edge Bowl Championship.
Tyler Johns earned his undergraduate degree in Strength and Conditioning at the University of Findlay in 2012 before completing his Master's degree in Educational Policy Studies at the University of Illinois in 2016. Johns and his wife, Selina, have a daughter, Nora.
