Former Otterbein All-American Kieran Johnson returned to join the new football staff at his alma mater in 2024, helping coach the running backs.
Johnson, a three-year standout from 2004-06, played in all but one varsity game as a freshman before bursting on the scene as a sophomore in 2005. He led the Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC) and ranked 20th nationally with 117 total tackles (11.5 for loss) in 10 games that fall. In addition, he tallied 6.5 sacks and three forced fumbles as the Cards played to a 7-3 record.
As a result of his play in 2005, Johnson earned first team All-OAC, first team All-Region, and honorable mention All-American honors from Football Gazette. He was also chosen as Otterbein’s “Defensive Front Six Player of the Year” that fall, which included three 15-tackle games.
Johnson once again garnered first team All-OAC recognition in 2006, finishing with 97 tackles (9.5 for loss) and five sacks. He saved his best performance for last with 12 tackles (4.5 for loss), three sacks, one forced fumble and one interception at John Carroll in his final collegiate game. Johnson still ranks seventh all-time at Otterbein with 311 tackles, spanning just three seasons.
In the time since, Johnson went on the earn a bachelor’s of science (sport management) degree from The Ohio State University and has spent 15+ years as a mortgage underwriter for Chase. He has also been a portfolio risk analyst for Huntington National Bank, is the owner/CEO of Kickstown, LLC, and has picked up three years of coaching experience at the high school level.
Johnson, a local product who attended Brookhaven High School, still lives in the Columbus area with his wife (Mara) and five children.
