Valparaiso University head football coach Landon Fox has finalized his 2022 coaching staff by welcoming Will Johnson as running backs coach and Spencer Duncan as tight ends coach.

Johnson, who played in the NFL from 2012-2016 with the Pittsburgh Steelers and New York Giants, comes to Valpo after a stint as the running backs and special teams coach for the Pittsburgh Maulers of the United States Football League. He also gained coaching experience at his alma mater, West Virginia University, where he began as a graduate assistant coach for strength and conditioning in 2018 before being elevated to Director of Player and NFL Relations.

“It was an easy decision to hire Will to join our coaching staff,” Fox said. “The story of him going from being an undrafted free agent to becoming a six-year NFL veteran will inspire our players. He has experience at the college level and knows how to coach not only football players, but students and people. I’m excited about bringing him onto our staff fresh off a year in the USFL.”

A native of Centerville, Ohio, Johnson was named to the 2012 midseason all-rookie team as a member of the Steelers and scored his first career touchdown in a 27-12 win over Washington. That came after he finished his undergraduate degree from West Virginia in multidisciplinary studies in 2011. During his college career, he transitioned from wide receiver to halfback and received numerous honors and accolades. Despite being undrafted, he eventually appeared in 63 games in the NFL and made 20 starts. He scored three NFL touchdowns, two receiving and one rushing.

“I’m excited to join and work with such a tremendous staff under the direction and leadership of Coach Fox,” Johnson said. “I believe this program is trending in the right direction, and I’m happy to be in a position to lead and develop the running backs both on and off the field.”

Duncan comes to Valpo after serving as a graduate assistant coach at the UNLV, where he had worked with the defense since February 2020. He also owns experience as an offensive quality control coach at the University of Pennsylvania, the wide receivers coach at Golden West College and a member of the recruiting department at the University of Alabama. He charted game film for the Cleveland Browns in December 2015 and February 2016 after previously working as a strength & conditioning intern at the University of Alabama from January 2013 to April 2015.

“We always enjoy having staff members who come from successful programs,” Fox said. “They can bring new thoughts and new ideas into the program, and have seen it done at a high level. He also has experience at the prep school and junior college levels, so he owns a variety of past experiences as he joins our staff to coach the tight ends.”

Duncan was a walk-on tight end at Alabama in 2011 and 2012 and was part of two national championship teams. He graduated from Alabama with an undergraduate degree in communications in December 2015.

“Coming to Valparaiso University was an unbelievable opportunity,” Duncan said. “I’m excited for the chance to compete for championships as well as mentor great student-athletes on and off the field. I knew this was where I was supposed to be, and I am honored to be a part of this program. I’m looking forward to being a part of the success we have here at Valpo going forward.”

What They’re Saying About Coach Johnson

Ben McAdoo, Carolina Panthers Offensive Coordinator, Former New York Giants Head Coach: “Hiring Will Johnson as running backs coach is a home run hire for Valparaiso University. His work ethic, character and knowledge of the game in all three phases will be a blessing to the program. I can’t think of a better man to help mentor and develop the players.”

Kirby Wilson, Pittsburgh Maulers (USFL) Head Coach, Former NFL Assistant Coach: “Will Johnson played and coached for me. He is an excellent addition to the Valpo football staff. Valpo is getting an up-and-coming star in the profession. He is a former NFL starting fullback and special teams standout who was an extremely hard worker both as a player and as a running backs coach in the USFL. Accountability, attention to details and preparation are just a few of his strengths. Valpo got a good one.”

What They’re Saying About Coach Duncan

Marcus Arroyo, UNLV Head Football Coach: “Spencer has a wide range of experience in college football at the FBS, FCS and junior college levels. He has coaching experience on both sides of the ball, and showed his commitment and work ethic for us the last two seasons. He has a bright future.”

Peter Hanson, Denver Broncos Linebackers Coach, Former UNLV Defensive Coordinator: “Spencer dove head first into an unfamiliar job with us at UNLV and made it his own. We asked an offensive guy to help us on defense, and he did a great job. I hope that experience helps his future as a coach. I’m very excited for him to earn this opportunity at Valparaiso.”