Brian Johnson may have lost the job but never the passion for it.
That’s not surprising to anyone who saw him leading the boys basketball programs at Kaneland for six years and then West Aurora for eight before the run abruptly ended in 2023.
Johnson, however, has been named the new head coach at Oswego East. He succeeds Ryan Velasquez, who stepped down following last season to spend more time with his children.
“Ryan has done an amazing job and really put Oswego East on the map during his tenure,” Johnson said. “His record is outstanding. They’ve won a lot of conference titles, regionals and went to an Elite Eight game to get downstate.
“It’s a good thing. You want to go into a program where people really love the sport, there’s a lot of excitement about it and a lot of talent.”
Johnson knows that feeling very well. His final game leading West Aurora was a loss to Velasquez and the Wolves in the Class 4A Lockport Regional championship game.
With this move, Johnson would likely give an assist in the box score of life to Metea Valley coach Isaiah Davis, his good friend.
“I’ve known Brian for a long time,” said Davis, who asked Johnson in 2023 to join his staff as an assistant. “Whatever took place. took place, and when it happened, I reached out to him.
“I thought it was important for him to stay in coaching and an opportunity for him to do what he has a passion for — working with kids. I gave him the reins to our defense and he did a real good job.”
During three seasons working with the Mustangs, Johnson continued to teach physical education and driver’s education at West Aurora while keeping an eye open for head coaching opportunities.
“I’m super excited for Brian,” Davis said. “I think he’ll do great. It’s a great opportunity. Ryan did a great job there and it’s a great program.”
Johnson was one of 13 individuals initially interviewed and one of four finalists brought back for a second, according to Oswego East athletic director Steven Tracy.
Johnson’s teams won two regional titles at Kaneland and four straight from 2016 to 2020 at West Aurora, along with the 2019-20 sectional title. Under Johnson, the Knights went 99-68, while the Blackhawks ended up 129-102.
Those stints followed his initial six-year run as an assistant to Dundee-Crown’s Lance Huber and one season as an assistant under legendary West Aurora coach Gordie Kerkman.
“Isaiah taught me a lot and it was cool seeing how he ran his program and built his relationships with the players,” Johnson said. “I got to see it with Gordie for just a little glimpse, and Lance is outstanding.
“We match with our intensity, and Isaiah let me coach a lot and handle some games when he had to be away. Just doing that continued to build that fire that I want to be a head coach again.”
Johnson, who will remain as a teacher at West Aurora, will keep Oswego East’s group intact.
“They’re all sticking around, which is outstanding because it’s such a good coaching staff,” Johnson said. “I think it’s going to be really smooth coming over.”
Tracy cited Johnson’s experience in announcing the move.
“We felt he could step right in and build great relationships with the kids and staff,” Tracy said. “We didn’t want to lose Ryan, but we’re excited to have Brian take over.”
Four-year starter Camron Donatlan, who led the Blackhawks to the sectional title under Johnson, agreed in a Facebook post on his former coach’s hiring.
“I don’t think anything fully captures how much respect I have for you,” Donatlan said. “You didn’t let adversity change you one bit. You let it fuel you. That says everything. I’m grateful I got to learn from you and I know Oswego East is gaining more than just a coach. They’re getting someone who builds people, not just teams. … Proud of you always, coach Johnson.”
