Kirk Johnson Departs Montgomery Catholic to Take Over Benjamin Russell Football Program
ALEXANDER, CITY, AL – Kirk Johnson is stepping down as Montgomery Catholic’s head football coach after guiding the Knights to back-to-back state championships. He will now take the reins as head coach for Class 6A Benjamin Russell.
During his four year stint at the helm of the Montgomery Catholic program he lead the Knights to a combined 55-2 record including four consecutive region titles, a 27-0 mark in region play and a 16-2 run in the postseason. Both of Catholic’s losses during his tenure came by a combined six points in the playoff semifinals. Under his leadership, the Knights secured the Class 4A state title in 2023 and the Class 5A crown in 2024.
The Knights are currently ridding a 29-game winning streak.
Johnson joined the Montgomery Catholic staff as an assistant in 2014 serving as the program’s defensive coordinator under former Knights head coaches Gregg Baker and Aubrey Blackwell. He was named the Knight’s 21st head football coach prior to the 2020 season.
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Before joining the Catholic staff he had one year stints, as an assistant, at Sidney Lanier and Sylacauga high schools.
The Columbiana native and Huntington College alum departs Catholic as the winnings head coach in the program’s 79 year history.
“We would like to thank Coach Johnson and his wife Meghan for their years of unwavering support for Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School,” said Montgomery Catholic President Justin Castanza in a press release. “I am so pleased for Kirk to have this opportunity to take the next step in his career after spending the majority of his coaching career learning and growing at MCPS. I am thankful for the years of dedication and service to the players, coaches, and families at Montgomery Catholic and wish him the absolute best in his new position.”
The school announced that the search for a new head football coach will begin immediately.
“We remain committed to building a program grounded in faith that will allow for student-athletes to be the person God has called them to be both on and off the field of play,” the press release added.
At Benjamin Russell, Johnson will replace former head coach Smitty Grider who lead the 6A program to a 23-12 record, highlighted by a region title and a trip to the quarterfinals in 2023.
The Wildcats finished the 2024 season with a 5-6 record, falling to Spanish Fort in the first round of the postseason.
FEATURED IMAGE: Johnson following the Knights 2024 Class 5A state championship game victory at Birmingham’s Protective Stadium. (Brant Berry | PrepsNet)
