Years at CSB: 30
Denny Johnson begins his 30th season as an assistant coach for the College of Saint Benedict basketball team under head coach Mike Durbin in 2015-16.
Johnson has played a vital role in the Blazers’ success during his tenure. His knowledge and insight for the game of basketball has made him a top-notch assistant coach. In his time as an assistant basketball coach, Johnson has been honored as AFLAC’s national assistant coach of the year.
He has been on board for each of Mike Durbin’s 614 victories, which includes each of the program’s 13 MIAC championships, 16 NCAA Tournament appearances and eight trips to the NCAA Sweet 16. Johnson has helped guide five All-Americans and four MIAC Players of the Year.
“It is extremely rare for a head coach and an assistant coach to be together for 30 years at the Division III level,” Durbin said. “I believe the stability and success of this program is a direct link to the longevity of our staff.”
Johnson was born and raised in St. Cloud, Minn. and graduated from St. Cloud Technical High School in 1968. In high school, Johnson participated in football, basketball and baseball. Following high school, he attended St. Cloud State University where he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in English. While attending St. Cloud State University, Johnson was a member of the Husky basketball program under the direction of Marlowe “Red” Severson and Noel Olson.
Johnson’s coaching abilities are not limited to basketball, as he also served as CSB’s head softball coach for 26 seasons. He won his 500th game on April 28, 2011, against Carleton. He twice coached his softball teams to MIAC championships, as well as a pair of berths to the NCAA Division III Central Region Tournament. He completed his head coaching career 522-324-3 overall and 352-200 in the MIAC. Under Johnson’s watch, the Blazers won MIAC titles in 1993 and 1994 and advanced to the NCAA National Tournament in both years.
From 2013-15 Johnson served as the assistant softball coach, and in his first season as an assistant he helped the team to 20 wins for the 15th time in program history.
Johnson and his wife, Robin, have been married 40 years and live in St. Cloud, Minn. Their two daughters graduated from Saint Benedict in 2007 and 2009.
Additional Coaching Experience:
2013-2015: Assistant softball coach at CSB
1987-2012: Head softball coach at CSB
1983-1986: Head girls' basketball coach at St. Cloud Cathedral High School
Head coach of women's Class A softball team, winning two Minnesota State Championships and a fourth-place finish in the national tournament.
College Education:
2002: Master's degree in education through St. Mary's College
1976: Bachelor of science degree in English from SCSU
Athletic Career:
Played basketball for three years at St. Cloud State University
Competed in football, basketball, and baseball at St. Cloud Tech High School.
Coaching Honors and Softball Excellence:
2nd Winningest coach of all-time in MIAC by victories.
34th Division III winningest coach all-time by percentage (.696)
35th Division III winningest coach all-time by victories (522)
Professional Organizations:
National Softball Coaches Association
Minnesota State High School Coaches Association
1992-1994 - Member of NCAA softball regional selection committee
Former chair of MIAC softball coaches
Family:
Married to Robin Johnson. She is employed by St. Cloud Hospital. They have two daughters.
