Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Nico Johnson is branching out in his coaching career. 

A University of Alabama alumnus, Johnson was hired on Friday to be the defensive ends coach for the University of Nevada football program in the Mountain West Conference. Johnson spent the last two years (2022-23) under Steve Sarkisian’s coaching staff at the University of Texas as a graduate assistant with defensive linemen. He assisted the Longhorns to a Big 12 Championship last season and a berth in the College Football Playoff. Johnson also aided the ‘Horns to a win over Alabama.

The 33-year-old was a three-time BCS National Champion under Nick Saban as a linebacker for the Tide.

He played from 2009 to 2012, earning two Southeastern Conference Championships.

Johnson, a native of Andalusia, Ala., played for four teams in the National Football League — Kansas City Chiefs, Cincinnati Bengals, Washington Redskins, and New York Giants — during his short career in the pros. He is a very bright defensive mind, and it will be exciting to see what we does with Nevada’s defensive ends. 

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Cubs moving veteran RHP to bullpen
Spurs reportedly high on NCAA Tournament champion guard
Insider shares major update on two-time All-Pro who remains a free agent
Former top QB recruit suing Florida HC, booster over near-$14M NIL deal
Jets HC Robert Saleh explains decision on OC Nathaniel Hackett
'Positionless' rules lead to a center-heavy NBA All-Defensive team
Jets' Aaron Rodgers addresses mental rust, RFK Jr. decision
Penguins sign young defenseman to three-year extension
Guardians place right-hander on injured list
Victor Wembanyama's latest honor puts another spotlight on his greatness
Lamar Jackson reportedly made significant physical change for 2024
Dolphins safety appears to take a shot at former DC
Ryan Leaf goes off on top NFL insider, accuses him of being a fraud
Report: TNT is still fighting to save its NBA rights
Lightning re-acquire defenseman from Predators
Steelers star DT blasts reporter's 'bold face lie'
Deadline for LeBron James' contract decision revealed
Jets HC Robert Saleh shares significant update on Aaron Rodgers' health
Steelers add another veteran to running back room
Charvarius Ward names positive 49ers can take from Super Bowl loss

Want more NFL news?

Join the hundreds of thousands of fans who start their day with Yardbarker's Morning Bark, the best newsletter in sports.