Johnson Resigns as Liberty's Men's Tennis Coach

Liberty University Director of Athletics Ian McCaw announced head men's tennis coach Chris Johnson has resigned from his coaching duties. Liberty will immediately begin a national search for the sixth head coach in the program's history.

"God has called me to Liberty twice and I am eternally grateful for each one," said Johnson. "I can think of no greater calling than to train Champions for Christ. Thank you to everyone who supported me and my family during this journey. We are forever grateful. Go Flames!"

Johnson has been a part of the Liberty tennis programs since he was hired as head men's and women's tennis coach on Aug. 7, 2006. He served as head coach of both programs for six seasons before shifting his entire focus to the men's tennis program for the 2012-13 season.

During his 11 seasons as head men's tennis coach (2006-17), Johnson posted a 117-124 overall match record and a 30-47 mark in Big South play.

During his six seasons in charge of the women's tennis program (2006-12), Johnson guided the Lady Flames to a 64-58 overall record and 23-18 mark in Big South action.

Johnson became the first head coach in men's tennis program history to reach the 100-career win mark, accomplishing the feat when Liberty defeated King College on Jan. 30, 2016.

During his time at Liberty, Johnson coached three Big South Players of the Year (Men's – 2016; Women's – 2007 and 2008), three Big South Freshmen of the Year (Men's – 2010; Women's – 2008 and 2011) and 38 All-Big South honorees.

Johnson was named the Big South Men's Tennis Coach of the Year in 2015 and garnered Big South Women's Coach of the Year honors in 2008.

In 2013, Johnson coached the doubles tandem of Shea Thomas and Jorge Azuero to the program's first-ever ITA Atlantic Region championship. With the regional title, the pair earned a trip to the USTA/ITA National Indoor Intercollegiate Championships in Flushing, N.Y.

In 2016, Johnson helped Sam Matheson become the first nationally ranked singles player in program history. Matheson was ranked as high as No. 93 in the country and earned the program's first-ever at-large singles selection to the NCAA Men's Tennis National Championship.