The rash of firings among college football coaches this week brought more rumors that Navy coach Paul Johnson might be heading elsewhere after this season.
Johnson?s name surfaced in an article in The Mobile Register as a possible candidate to replace Mike Shula at Alabama. Also, the Raleigh News & Observer linked Johnson, a North Carolina native, as on the short list to replace recently deposed coach Chuck Amato at N.C. State.
Johnson?s name also was mentioned as a candidate to replace John Bunting at North Carolina before the job went to former Miami and Cleveland Browns coach Butch Davis.
In the midst of it all, Johnson has done his best this week to turn the attention away from him and on Saturday?s Army-Navy game at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.
“I don?t want to get into all of that, said Johnson, who is 36-24 in five seasons at Navy and 98-34 overall as a head coach. “I just want to talk about the Army-Navy game.”
While trying to avoid the job subject, Johnson said he is flattered to be mentioned for so many high-profile Division I openings. His .742 career winning percentage ranks him 10th among all active Division I-A coaches. Johnson has the top career winning percentage among active coaches who have not coached at a BCS school.
“I think that?s a compliment to the program, to the players and the assistant coaches,” Johnson said in his Tuesday press briefing following practice. “I learned a long time ago that you don?t believe everything that you read.”
INJURY UPDATE: Navy senior safety DuJuan Price is listed as doubtful for the Army-Navy game with a pulled right quadriceps, while junior kicker Joey Bullen is probable with a strained groin. Also, sophomore wide receiver Curtis Sharp is probable with a sprained right ankle.
While offensive tackle Josh Meek and quarterback Brian Hampton are both listed as out following season-ending knee injuries, Hampton is expected to at least dress and be on the sidelines against Army.
“I feel bad for what happened to Brian,” Johnson said. “For any senior that?s hurt and wants to get dressed, I?m fine with that.”
Army vs. Navy
Where: Lincoln Financial Field
When: 2:30 p.m., Saturday
TV: CBS Radio: 1090 AM
