I mentioned this move in yesterday’s DAILY DIRT – it’s now official. Point University has hired Gabe Johnson as their new head men’s basketball coach. Here’s the statement that Point released:

The search for a new Head Men’s Basketball coach has concluded as Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics, Jaunelle White has appointed Gabe Johnson as the next Head Coach for the Men’s Basketball Program at Point University. White knew that Johnson’s love for the Lord and his drive as a Coach fit the Mission Statement for the institution. White mentioned, “We had an extremely competitive candidate pool; however, it was apparent to the committee that Gabe’s love for the Lord, experience, tenacity, and drive was exactly what we needed to continue our pursuit of excellence. I’m excited about the future of our men’s basketball program.” 

Johnson comes in with an experienced background with his previous stop being at Bryan College in Dayton, Tennessee. Coach Johnson had two stints at Bryan College (2012-13, 2021-2024) where he was the Associate Head Coach of the Men’s Team and the Head Coach of the Women’s Basketball team. Johnson was part of the only two Men’s Appalachian Athletic Conference tournament finals appearances in the previous 19 seasons. As the Women’s Coach, Bryan Women’s Basketball was Two-Time Appalachian Athletic Conference Regular Season Champions, led the Conference in Offensive scoring after replacing 45% of the season’s scoring, Improved Defensive Points allowed per game by five points, added two wins over Top-25 Teams, and had two NAIA National Tournament Appearances with the recent tournament appearance being a number six seed and advancing to the second round. Gabe Johnson’s coaching Background extends beyond Bryan College as he was as the Assistant Basketball Coach at Boyd Buchanan School (2018-2021). During his stint, the staff changed the direction of the school’s program where the team had five wins overall before their arrival shifting to five 20-win seasons, multiple region and district championships, state tournament appearances, and one All-State Player. Coach Johnson also assisted the Women’s program during the 2020-21 season guiding them to their first 20-win season in years and a state tournament appearance. Johnson had a four-year stint from 2014-2018 at Silverdale Baptist Academy where it only took two seasons to move from a losing season to a 20-win season followed by a district runner-up finish. Gabe Johnson was also an area director for Pro Skills Basketball of Chattanooga/WCB Travel Basketball teams where he managed up to 13 teams, including coach development and player recruitment (12 players earning college scholarships. Gabe Johnson’s coaching journey began in 2001 at Grace Baptist Academy where he worked with the varsity boys and freshman teams. Johnson left for two years to return to college and complete his playing career at Bryan College. Coach Gabe Johnson has been married to his wife, Abbey for 24 years. They have four children, Sage (Ethan), Ian, Caden, and Eli, and grandson, Levi. 

Head Coach Gabe Johnson is excited about taking Point University Men’s Basketball in a new direction. Johnson mentioned, “It is an honor to be selected as the next head men’s basketball coach at Point University. I would like to thank Dr. Collins and Jaunelle White for the opportunity to be a part of this respected and valued institution”. Coach Johnson’s goal is to develop young leaders on and off the court. “I come here with a heart to develop strong Christian leaders and look forward to working with the young men on the team as we build a culture of servant leadership, toughness, accountability, and pursue excellence on and off the court.”