This month, Chowan Athletics is spotlighting Paul Johnson, the head football coach, as part of their "Featured Hawks" series celebrating excellence in athletics and academics. Entering his fourth season, Johnson led the Hawks to a 4-7 record in their inaugural Conference Carolinas season with nine players earning All-Conference honors. His coaching journey has been enriched by experiences at various institutions, and he expresses enthusiasm for building community relationships at the small college level. Johnson's passion for coaching is rooted in his competitive upbringing and mentorship from his offensive line coach, which shaped his goal to lead a college football program.

By the Numbers
  • Johnson's leadership contributed to a 4-7 overall record and a 2-4 mark in conference play during the 2025 season.
  • Nine Hawks received All-Conference honors, with Antwone Godley earning First Team recognition on defense.
State of Play
  • Chowan's first true conference schedule will unfold during the upcoming 2026 season.
  • Johnson expresses excitement for the upcoming Conference Carolinas Media Day, attending with players Luke Krall and Antwone Godley.
What's Next

As the season approaches, Johnson is focused on refining team dynamics and enhancing community ties. The program looks to build on its experiences from last year and leverage newfound competition within the conference to improve performance. Expect to see a continuous emphasis on academic and athletic excellence as the Hawks aim for greater success.

Bottom Line

Paul Johnson's commitment to both football and the Chowan community underscores a vision for a competitive and connected program. His leadership not only aims for athletic success but also fosters meaningful relationships within the campus and town.