Ellis Johnson Resigns as UA Defensive Coordinator to Return Home

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Ellis Johnson has resigned as defensive coordinator at the University of Arkansas to return home to coach at the University of South Carolina it was announced by Arkansas head coach Bobby Petrino on Thursday.

“Ellis Johnson has resigned as defensive coordinator,” Petrino said. “I spoke with Coach Johnson this morning and he felt like this is the best decision for his family. I certainly understand that. He and his wife are both from South Carolina and many of their relatives still reside in the state. I wish Coach Johnson and his family the best. We will now move forward in hiring a defensive coordinator.”

Johnson was officially announced by Petrino on Jan. 4, 2008, after spending the past four seasons as defensive coordinator at Mississippi State.

“I was blessed with opportunities at two great universities, two great Southeastern Conference football programs with two proven and accomplished head coaches,” Johnson said. “South Carolina is home to me and to my wife as well as much of our family. I have 16 years in the state retirement system there and it was something that we were always looking toward in the later stages of my career. It was an extremely difficult decision and the timing is unfortunate. However, I feel that it was the right decision for my family. I sincerely appreciate the opportunity Coach Petrino gave me to be a part of the Razorback program.”