Oakland Patriots Pursue Seasoned Coordinator
Oakland Patriots head coach, Mark Smith, is reportedly seeking an experienced coordinator to bolster his staff ahead of the 2026 season. Sources close to the program indicate a strong interest in hiring former Riverdale High School defensive coordinator, James Johnson, who boasts a decade of experience in the TSSAA. Johnson's tenure at Riverdale saw the Warriors compile a 45-15 record over the past five seasons, including a 2021 state semifinal appearance. His departure would be a significant loss for Riverdale, which is expected to struggle to replace his expertise in recruiting and game planning. The Oakland Patriots, meanwhile, are looking to build on their 2025 4-6 campaign and are eager to inject fresh talent into their coaching staff. A decision on Johnson's potential hire is expected in the coming weeks.
This report is based on unconfirmed sources. FridayNightPulse has not independently verified all claims. We will update this story as more information becomes available.