FOOTBALL: Goldsboro's Johnson tenders resignation

By Rudy Coggins
Published in Sports on January 6, 2017 9:59 AM

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One of the county's most-successful and tradition-rich football programs finds itself searching for a new leader.

Bennett Johnson resigned as head varsity coach at Goldsboro High School on Tuesday after a meeting with school administrators. The parties separated on amicable terms.

"It was a decision where the administration let me know they were interested in going in another direction," Johnson said. "I appreciated their honesty with that. It's a tough pill to swallow. It's unfortunate. I hate for it to end this way. It's probably just best for both parties at this point."

In a press release, Wayne County Public Schools officials said they will place the coaching vacancy on the county's website and the N.C. High School Athletic Association website in March. They will begin the interview process in April.

Dean Sauls, assistant superintendent of WCPS, plans to direct a search committee along with GHS Principal Robert Yelverton and Dr. Yvette Mason, superintendent for human resources. Johnson will remain on faculty and assist in offseason workouts and spring drills until a successor has been named.

"The school and the district appreciate the hard work and dedication that Coach Johnson has given to the students and staff at Goldsboro High and as the (head) varsity football coach the past three seasons," Sauls said. "Our priority is to recruit a dynamic teacher/coach that has the skills and experience to motivate students to excel both in the classroom and on the field. We will also be looking for someone who has experience teaching in 'turn around' schools."

Johnson compiled a 7-26 worksheet during his tenure on the sideline.

While the numbers don't appear favorable, the former record-setting high school quarterback based his first-ever coaching job on his "behind the scenes" work. Enthusiasm and passion became his calling card, and he infused those two characteristics into his players.

They got involved in community projects.

They formed a brotherhood and worked to rebuild a foundation set by their predecessors -- players whose pictures, faded over time, sit behind glass cases that can be viewed along the hallway to the weight room.

"We did a lot of great things, made great progress," Johnson said. "The goal of when you take over any program is to leave it better than where you found it. I found this program in a very good spot and I feel like, as good as it was, we improved it a little bit more. I am very grateful to have the opportunity to coach every player that I have ever coached here, and to coach with every coach that I've ever coached here."

Johnson met with the players Wednesday.

The stunning news showed on their disappointed faces, particularly the rising juniors and seniors who had grown in Johnson's system. Two years ago, the Cougars started six sophomores and two freshmen on the varsity team.

The JV team went 8-2 that season.

Goldsboro appears prepared to turn the corner and reap the benefits over the next two seasons.

"Unfortunately we won't have the chance as coaches to see that," Johnson said. "I told the players they are capable of doing great things the next couple of years. The most disappointing thing is to know that I'm not going to be able to share the success that I know they are going to have the next two years.

"But they know I'm going to be their number one fan."

Johnson isn't sure of his future.

He may seek an assistant coaching position or return to the middle school level, and apply the numerous life lessons he's learned along the way.

"I jumped in really young, maybe got in over my head a little bit, but it's all been worthwhile," Johnson said. "It's not the ending I wanted, but the Lord has the ultimate plan and I'm excited to see what's next."