ST PAUL, Minn. — “I'd love to win a bunch of games so we can go all the way to Christmas before I have to be done, but what I want bigger out of you is that you care and love each other,” says Steve Johnson, head football coach at Bethel University.
That statement in a nutshell is Steve Johnson.
He loves football, he loves winning, but he loves his players more... and it shows.
“His passion for these guys and his desire for them to grow with character and servanthood and leadership is outstanding, and an example for all of us,” says Bethel President Ross Allen.
For those of you who don't know, Steve Johnson is a local football legend. He's the all-time wins leader among active Division III football coaches nationwide with 250, he's a six-time MIAC Coach of the Year, but maybe more important to Steve, he's a man of faith.
And he built his successful program at Bethel on exactly that.
“When I came here we wanted to get guys that love the game, love the Lord and love each other and there's power in that, we didn't realize it right away but we stayed with it. I still say that now, happy-hearted tough suckers,” says Johnson.
And now, Steve has decided it's time to leave.
It's a family decision. Time to stop and look at the leaves.
“My wife and I talked about going into the fall, I've really seen the leaves change except in the east end zone, so we might go travel little bit,” says Steve. “Its been a long ride, but a good ride, too."
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