09/05/2026
Minnesota Monsters Bring Back Michael Johnson as Special Teams Coordinator / Defensive Line Coach
TWIN CITIES, Minn. — September 5, 2026 — Minnesota Monsters Head Coach and General Manager Willie Howard announced today that Michael “MJ” Johnson will return to the organization as Special Teams Coordinator and Defensive Line Coach for the 2027 season.
Johnson rejoins the Monsters after previously serving as the franchise’s Linebackers/Defensive Line Coach during the 2025 season and spending 2026 as Defensive Coordinator and Defensive Line/Linebackers Coach with the Eau Claire Axemen.
For Howard, the addition is about much more than familiarity. Johnson joins Howard’s staff after the two spent nearly a decade coaching together, including their time at Robbinsdale Cooper and with the Minneapolis Warriors. Over those years, their relationship has developed into a brotherhood built on trust, accountability and a shared Standard of Excellence that continues to shape how they lead and develop players.
“MJ and I have been doing this together for almost 10 years, so there is a tremendous amount of trust between us,” said Willie Howard, Head Coach and General Manager. “Our relationship goes beyond football. It’s a brotherhood built through years of working together, holding each other accountable and believing in the same Standard of Excellence. He understands how I want our players coached, how I want them held accountable and, most importantly, how we want to build this culture. Bringing MJ back was an easy decision.”
Johnson brings extensive experience across high school, semi-professional and arena football. He previously spent nine seasons coaching at Robbinsdale Cooper and six seasons leading the Minneapolis Warriors, where he helped build a program that compiled a 56-10 record while winning two league championships and two national championships.
Johnson’s football experience began long before his coaching career. A native of Florida, he played linebacker and defensive back at Miami Carol City Senior High School before continuing his playing career at Minnesota West College, where he earned multiple All-State and All-Region honors. He later continued his collegiate career at Minnesota State University, Mankato.
His coaching journey has allowed him to work with athletes at multiple levels and in a variety of roles. In addition to his nine seasons at Robbinsdale Cooper, Johnson has coached defensive backs and defensive linemen at Saint Louis Park High School and most recently served as Co-Defensive Coordinator and Outside Linebackers Coach at C**n Rapids High School. His background includes coaching multiple defensive fronts and coverages while adapting his philosophy to the speed and unique demands of the arena game.
Johnson’s six seasons with the Minneapolis Warriors also provided him experience beyond position coaching. During his time with the organization, he served as Chief Executive Officer, Head Coach and coordinator across offense, defense and special teams, giving him a broad understanding of building a program, developing players and establishing a winning culture.
Assistant General Manager Jaysen Yogi Howard believes Johnson’s history with the organization and relationship with Coach Howard will provide immediate continuity.
“MJ understands the standard Willie is establishing because they’ve built and lived that standard together for years,” Jaysen Howard said. “That brotherhood brings trust, accountability and a shared understanding of what winning football is supposed to look like. That makes him a great fit for where the Monsters are going.”
Johnson will oversee the Monsters’ special teams units and defensive line as Howard continues assembling his staff for the 2027 season.
“MJ is family, but just as importantly, he’s earned this opportunity through the work,” Willie Howard added. “We know what we expect from each other. Now it’s about bringing that same Standard of Excellence to the Minnesota Monsters.”
STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE. STRONGER TOGETHER. WE ROAR.
