Claude Johnson has made a career out of elevating football programs, both as a player and more recently as a coach.
Now, he gets his first opportunity to do the same as a head coach.
Johnson accepted the head coaching position at Marion last week, succeeding Lance Clark, who exited in January for Cabot.
Johnson takes over at Marion after ultra-successful stints as an assistant under legendary coaches Scott Reed, Bobby Bolding, and Brad Bolding at El Dorado, White Hall, and Little Rock Parkview, respectively.
People from across the state took notice of the hire immediately as it became official.
“Coach Johnson is a proven winner as a player and as an assistant coach,” said veteran Hooten's Arkansas Football staff writer Barry Groomes, who has covered high school football in the state since 1999. “He has risen through the coaching ranks under some of the better coaches in state history. He has a championship pedigree that should bleed into Marion's program.”
“We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Claude Johnson as the next leader of the Marion Patriot football team,” said Dr. Glen Fenter, Marion Superintendent. “Coach Johnson has built his career around elevating programs and developing young athletes, and that commitment to excellence aligns perfectly with who we are as a district. We take great pride in the tradition and expectations of Marion athletics, and we are confident that his leadership, character, and championship mindset will inspire our student-athletes and our community. Just as importantly, we know Coach Johnson is deeply committed to developing well-rounded young men -- emphasizing character and academic success alongside success on the field. This is an exciting moment for Marion, and we look forward to supporting Coach Johnson as he continues to build something truly special for our school.”
Johnson boasts a productive offensive background after coaching 15 Division 1 players since joining El Dorado's offensive staff in 2016.
“I'm elated to be here,” said Johnson. “This was a great fit for me. Great athletes and administration are here. The facilities are outstanding. I just couldn't have picked a better place for me. I can't wait to get started with our kids.”
The Wildcats won 27 games during Johnson's stint at El Dorado, an average of almost eight wins per season, which opened the door for him to join Bobby Bolding at White Hall.
The effects were felt immediately, as the Bulldogs improved from five wins and no playoff berth the year prior to Johnson's arrival, to eight victories and a semifinal appearance in Johnson's first year as offensive and pass-game coordinator and quarterback coach.
White Hall won eight times again in 2020, losing a heartbreaker in the state quarterfinals at Harrison, but the Bulldog offense averaged almost 30 points per game on the season, almost four points more than Johnson's first year calling plays.
It was on for White Hall in 2021, as the Bulldogs finished 11-3 overall, with the school's first appearance in the state championship game since 1987.
Johnson's offense averaged more than 31 points per outing in 2021, scoring five touchdowns or more eight times on the season.
That opened the door for Johnson to take over at mighty Little Rock Parkview as Brad Bolding's offensive coordinator, QB coach, and associate head coach.
Prior to Johnson and Bolding's arrival, LR Parkview had not won a conference title since 1984 and had not won the state championship since 1978, but the transformation was immediate.
The Patriots stormed to a 12-1 record in 2022 as Johnson's offense scored more than 38 points per contest to capture the Class 5A state championship.
Some pundits thought Parkview would take a step back following the graduation of a big senior group following the banner 2022 season, but the Patriots had other ideas, steamrolling to a 14-0 mark in 2023, and a second consecutive 5A Central crown, and the Patriots scored 55 points against Shiloh Christian in the state championship game to earn a second straight Class 5A title.
Little Rock Parkview completed the hat trick of Class 5A crowns in 2024, as the Patriots finished 13-1 overall, with a third 5A Central title in a row, and Johnson's offense put up more than 46 points per game in the season, a figure that swelled to 49 points per game in the playoffs, including an eye-popping 61 points in the state final against Farmington.
Johnson rose to prominence initially as a two-time all-state quarterback for Bobby Bolding at Pine Bluff.
He started three seasons under center for Zebra outfits that won 17 games in his last two years as a starter, and he guided Pine Bluff back into the finals in 2009, dropping an exciting 27-20 loss to El Dorado for the state crown.
As Pine Bluff's signal-caller, Johnson earned three all-conference selections, a pair of all-state nods, and the 2009 State Farm Awards 7A/6A Offensive Player of the Year award after racking up more than 4,000 yards of offense and 50 touchdowns.