Old habits die hard for Micah Johnson. The former defensive tackle, now serving as the Saskatchewan Roughriders' defensive line coach, is adjusting to his new role after a 13-year CFL career. During training camp, Johnson admitted that some playing habits, like listening to music before games to get hyped, have been difficult to break.
Transition from Player to Coach
Johnson, 37, received his fifth career CFL all-star nod last season as a defensive tackle. He believed he could still play, but Roughriders head coach Corey Mace offered him an opportunity to retire and become the team's defensive line coach. Johnson accepted, marking a new chapter in his football journey.
“It’s been really cool to see,” said Mace, a former defensive lineman. “He’s passionate about his craft and about his players’ craft. Super selfless guy. He understands how to coach guys not just as a blanket, but individually reach guys to play off of their strengths.”
Johnson chuckled about the habits he needs to break. “It’s a lot of little things like that I’ve got to break myself of. Just that energy before games (and to remember) you can chill out, right? All you’re going to be doing is signalling (plays).”
Adjusting to a New Mindset
The biggest adjustment for Johnson has been “letting go” of the players’ mindset. “For me, last year when we walked off the field with the Grey Cup, I wasn’t thinking it was going to be my last year, but obviously the opportunity presented itself,” Johnson said. “It’s been real fun, especially since camp started, getting up with the guys and getting them rolling. It feels crazy not being sore at all. I’m not used to that … But it just kind of changes from physical to mental at this point.”
Mace noted that Johnson still wore headphones during the pre-season game, getting hyped as if he were playing. “But that’s just who he’s always been and how he is and that’s how his group is going to be wired, which is awesome,” Mace added.
Leading a Revamped Defensive Line
Johnson now leads a defensive line group that has undergone significant change this off-season. Mike Rose is the only returning starter from the Grey Cup-winning team, as Malik Carney and Habakkuk Baldonado left in free agency. Returning players hoping for larger roles include Caleb Sanders, Ali Saad, and Kendy Charles. The club also added CFL veterans James Vaughters and Devin Adams.
The Green and White have American rookies Desmond Evans, Justin Weaver, and Jaylen Pate, who made the roster following Saturday’s cuts. The defensive line group is rounded out by Canadians Lake Korte-Moore and Benoit Marion, both beginning the season on the injured list, while Liam Hoskins starts the year on the practice roster.
Johnson is focused on helping his players develop and succeed. “I’ve always been that type of guy to get in a different mindset when it comes to the game. (Coaching) is like that but it’s just putting your energy in different places now, and that’s what I’m kind of learning and understanding,” he said.
