Erik Johnson has been reappointed as head coach for the University of Denver's women's basketball team, having previously led the program from 2008-2012. After a successful term as an assistant coach at Fairfield, where he helped the team achieve a 102-27 record and multiple NCAA Tournament appearances, Johnson is set to rebuild a Pioneers team that finished the last season with an 11-19 record. His introductory press conference is scheduled for Thursday, highlighting the university's commitment to academic and athletic excellence.

By the Numbers
  • Johnson's record at Fairfield: 102 wins and 27 losses.
  • In his previous stint at Denver, Johnson led the team to a 72-52 record, securing a winning season each year.
State of Play
  • Denver's women's basketball team is transitioning to the West Coast Conference (WCC).
  • The team aims to capitalize on Johnson’s extensive recruiting network and experience in building winning cultures.
What's Next

Johnson will focus on revitalizing the program and re-engaging alumni support while aiming to increase the team's competitiveness within the new WCC framework. The planned involvement of the local basketball community will be crucial in building a strong fan base.

Bottom Line

Bringing back Erik Johnson represents a strategic move for the University of Denver to enhance its women's basketball program, aiming for improved performance and increased national recognition with a grounded commitment to academic standards.