Earlier this morning, Keenan Speer Johnson, son of former Oregon Ducks scouting coordinator Donald Johnson Jr., confirmed his father's passing on social media.
“I'm at a loss for words,” Spear Johnson said. “He's been through so much and it still doesn't seem real right now. My heart is broken. Rest in peace, Dad. I love you.”
Johnson Jr. worked at Oregon from 2020 to 2022. Prior to beginning his career with the Ducks, Johnson was a prominent high school football coach throughout the state of Oregon. Johnson suffered a medical emergency in 2022 that sidelined him from his duties with the Ducks. Details of his cause of death have not been confirmed.
Johnson Jr., who was hired by former University of Oregon football coach Mario Cristobal, was ranked the 10th best recruit in the PAC-12. Johnson used his connections in the Oregon sports world to recruit in-state players to the Ducks, landing five four-star players during his time in Eugene, including leading the recruiting of linebacker Geoffrey Bassa.
During his high school coaching career, Johnson Jr. worked at Milwaukee, Evergreen, Jefferson and McDaniel (then Madison) high schools.
“Don Johnson Jr. had a personality that could be felt in a one-on-one conversation, in a crowded room or in a stadium. His massive size was somehow dwarfed by his presence. He demanded space and often dominated it. Don fought relentlessly for his players and understood layers of things I had never considered,” said Andrew Nemec, recruiting expert for SBLiveSports and ESPN.
“Coach Johnson is one of the most genuine people in the sport and has helped countless kids reach new heights on and off the field,” Oregon State running backs coach Thomas Ford Jr. said.
“God called you home. Rest in peace, OG,” Oregon football director of player education Eden Mahina said.
“My deepest condolences, Uso. Rest in peace,” said former University of Oregon football defensive line coach Joe Salavea, who worked with Johnson Jr.
“Best of luck to Coach Don Johnson. You will be missed,” former Oregon football head coach Mario Cristobal said.
Many others took to social media to pay tribute to Johnson Jr., remembering a man who had such an impact on the state's sports community, who passed away at the age of 49.
