- Jack Johnson is joining Ohio State’s women’s hockey program as associate head coach
- The 1,228-game NHL veteran replaces former Blue Jackets teammate James Wisniewski behind the bench
- Read below for Johnson’s next move after 19 pro seasons and a Cup with Colorado
Jack Johnson is trading a pro scouting gig for a spot behind a college bench.
The 38-year-old former NHL defenseman has joined Ohio State’s women’s hockey team as an associate head coach, taking over the role held by James Wisniewski. Ohio State’s official staff page now lists Johnson under head coach Nadine Muzerall.
Johnson spent last season as a pro scout with the Vancouver Canucks after wrapping up his playing career in 2024-25. He joins a growing list of recent retirees carving out new roles, from front offices to broadcast booths.
Wisniewski, one of Johnson’s old Columbus teammates, stepped away from the program to be closer to his family. Muzerall brings a loaded resume to the room, with six national championships between her five seasons at Minnesota and 10 at Ohio State.
The playing side of his story needs no dressing up. Carolina took Johnson third overall in 2005, and he went on to skate 1,228 regular-season games across 19 seasons with the Kings, Blue Jackets, Penguins, Rangers and Avalanche. He finished with 342 points and a Stanley Cup ring from Colorado’s 2022 title run.
Leadership followed him everywhere. Johnson wore an “A” in Columbus across five different seasons and captained Team USA at the 2013 World Championship after serving as an alternate in 2010 and 2011.
There is one fun wrinkle here. Johnson starred at Michigan from 2005 to 2007, piling up 71 points and 236 penalty minutes in 74 games as a Wolverine. Now he reports to work for the Buckeyes.
Ohio State’s women have some rebuilding to do. They captured national titles in 2022 and 2024 but missed the postseason this past season, and Johnson lands on staff to help steady a blue line in transition.
