Merv Johnson to be Honored

March 5, 2003

Norman, Okla. - Merv Johnson, the University of Oklahoma's Special Assistant to the Athletics Director and Director of Football Operations, is being honored by the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame, Oklahoma chapter.

Johnson, who was on the football staff at OU from 1978-97, is being presented with the organization's first Integrity in College Coaching Award. In subsequent years, the award will also be named for Johnson and will be presented to a college coach on any level in Oklahoma.

"We wanted to present an award that focused on integrity in college coaching," said Dr. Gerald Gurney, associate athletics director at OU and a board member for the chapter. "We thought Merv was the best example of integrity in coaching and a great role model for future coaches."

Johnson will receive the award on March 12 at the organization's Scholar-Athlete Banquet. That event will be held the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City.

Johnson also served assistant coaching stints at Notre Dame, Arkansas and at his alma mater, Missouri. He was an All-Big Seven tackle for the Tigers and the league's Outstanding Scholar-Athlete of the Year.

In his 20 years as an OU assistant coach, the Sooners were 150-67-5 with a national championship, five Big Eight titles and seven bowl victories. He coached 19 All-Americans.

Currently, Johnson coordinates the day-to-day activities off the field for OU football players and deals with on-campus recruiting efforts. He also serves as the color analyst on the Sooner Football Radio Network.

The King City, Mo., native and his wife, Cindy, have two children and seven grandchildren.

University of Oklahoma Athletics

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