With the news of Mike Nolan’s departure from the UFL yesterday, it felt like more moves would be on the way. This was confirmed today, as AceUFM of United Football Media reports that C.J. Johnson has also been dismissed by the United Football League.
C.J. (Curtis) Johnson has spent the last few years in the spring space. He took over as Head Coach for the USFL’s Gamblers in 2023, with Kevin Sumlin departing for Maryland. Johnson’s Gamblers were 5-5 that year, with running back Mark Thompson earning Offensive Player of the Year honors.
Things weren’t nearly as smooth for C.J. in the UFL. Under the new branding of the Roughnecks, Houston went 1-9 during the 2024 season. This year, after a rough start, the Roughnecks did stabilize, finishing with a 5-5 record with Jalan McClendon leading the way.
However, with the UFL’s massive restructuring under the leadership of Mike Repole, coaching changes were imminent. C.J. Johnson is part of that collateral damage, alongside Mike Nolan. Both were coaches that were brought into the league by Daryl Johnston in the USFL – who is no longer employed by the UFL as of this month.
The United Football League has no statement on the matter at this time.
Official Statement From Coach Johnson
To all the players, coaches, GM’s, staff, and UFL fans,
I want to express my sincere gratitude to everyone who has been part of this journey with the Houston Roughnecks and Houston Gamblers, and the entire UFL organization. I have been informed that as part of the “league restructuring”, I will not be returning as Head Coach in the new UFL league. I respect the decision of pivoting in a new direction.
Coaching in the UFL the last three years has been a tremendous blessing and rewarding experience. I truly appreciate the dedication of every player, coach, GM, and staff member that showed up day in and day out to make this organization successful. To the fans, you are the real stars of the UFL and your support has been amazing every game.
As with any change in leadership, there is a significant impact that will be felt throughout the organization. I would like to thank each and every person that has been involved in all facets of the Roughnecks and Gamblers nation.
I wish the league nothing but success and appreciate the opportunity to represent such a great organization.
– Coach C.J.
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