Jah'Shawn Johnson - Football Coach - Texas Tech Red Raiders

Jah'Shawn Johnson

Title:
Assistant Defensive Backs Coach

Former Red Raider great Jah’Shawn Johnson enters his fifth season on the Texas Tech coaching staff where he serves as an assistant defensive backs coach, working specifically with the cornerbacks.

Since returning to his alma mater, Johnson has had a front row seat to Texas Tech’s defensive improvements under head coach Joey McGuire and now second-year defensive coordinator Shiel Wood. The Red Raiders have played in a bowl game in each of Johnson’s four seasons and have won the most Big 12 games of any conference school, regardless of conference affiliation.

Texas Tech is coming off one of its best seasons in school history as the Red Raiders won a school record 12 games en route to their first Big 12 title and an appearance in the College Football Playoff. Texas Tech’s success – with all 12 victories coming by at least 20 points – stemmed from a high-scoring offense combined with a suffocating defense that led the nation with 32 takeaways and rushing defense. The Red Raiders also ranked third in the FBS for total defense and scoring, giving up only 11.8 points per game to roll through the Big 12 schedule.

Johnson helped mentor Brice Pollock into an All-Big 12 first team selection in the process after the transfer corner led the team and ranked tied for seventh in the FBS with five interceptions. Pollock, who is projected among the top returning cornerbacks in college football for the 2026 season, became the lone Red Raider since 2005 to combine for 40 tackles, 4.0 tackles for loss and five interceptions all in the same season. His play bolstered a defense that gave up only 190.1 passing yards per game, which ranked 26th in the FBS.

Pollock became the fifth Red Raider to be recognized with All-Big 12 honors during Johnson’s tenure. He previously helped tutor a pair of second team honorees in Malik Dunlap in 2022 and Dadrion Taylor-Demerson in 2023. Taylor-Demerson, who combined for seven interceptions his final two seasons, was selected in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft by the Arizona Cardinals, representing one of seven Red Raider defensive backs who have received a pro opportunity during his tenure.

Prior to joining head coach Joey McGuire’s staff, Johnson was an assistant coach for his alma mater at Ennis High School. Serving under legendary head coach Sam Harrell, Johnson worked primarily with the defensive backs for an Ennis program that advanced to the area round of the Class 5A Division II playoffs in each of his two seasons on staff.

Ennis was Johnson’s first coaching position after completing a decorated playing career as a Red Raider where he was a four-year starter in the secondary. Johnson, a two-year captain, started 45 games in scarlet and black as he recorded 298 tackles from 2014-18, including 10.5 for a loss, while also adding six interceptions, 14 pass breakups, six forced fumbles and five fumble recoveries.

Johnson was a three-time All-Big 12 selection, earning honorable mention accolades as a redshirt freshman in 2015 and again as a senior in 2018. He was a second team All-Big 12 pick as a junior after registering 97 tackles for a Texas Tech defense that ranked sixth nationally with 29 takeaways.

Johnson, one of the early signees under then head coach Kliff Kingsbury, earned his undergraduate degree in sport management from Texas Tech in 2018. He is currently pursuing his master’s degree in interdisciplinary studies from the university.

Johnson is the son of Tamara Johnson and Keith Davis. His father previously played football at the collegiate level as well at Sam Houston State before a decorated NFL career with the Dallas Cowboys (2002-07, 2008, Miami Dolphins (2008) and Oakland Raiders (2009).