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Eagle Point football coach Johnston resigns Evaluation revealed administration didn't plan to bring him back after 10 seasons at the program's helm By DON HUNT Mail Tribune EAGLE POINT - Citing a lack of support from administrators, Mike Johnston has resigned as the head football coach at Eagle Point. Johnston, 46, posted a 10-year record of 40-59 with the Eagles, including a 2-7 mark this past season. Eagle Point qualified for the playoffs three times. The high-water mark came in 1995 when the Eagles went 11-3 and advanced to the Class 4A state championship game. Johnston is one of three local high school coaches to step down. Eagle Point volleyball coach Lisa Hutchins and Rogue River cross country coach Nicki Wright have also announced their resignations. Johnston said when he huddled with Athletic Director Bob Bergen in a postseason evaluation meeting, Bergen told him he wouldn't be recommended for rehiring. A subsequent meeting with Principal Mary Brabbin confirmed his precarious status, Johnston said. "I was pretty stunned - this caught me by surprise," Johnston said. "I could have fought it, but the handwriting was on the wall, and I didn't want it to be a three-ring circus." "Mike Johnston brought Eagle Point football to its height in 1995," said Bergen. "We appreciate his contribution and dedication to the program. Our vision is to build on Mike's efforts in creating a comprehensive, district-wide program." Bergen said he expected to post the job opening on the Internet today and added that fliers will be sent in the mail to all Class 4A and 3A schools in Oregon. He and Brabbin hope to name a new coach within the next three months, he said. Although Johnston hadn't registered a winning record in four years, his teams remained competitive and were known for their physical play. An example came in the Eagles' season finale last season when they trailed state playoff-bound North Medford 13-8 at halftime before losing, 36-15. "We took pride in playing hard regardless of the odds," Johnston said. "I think people throughout the (Southern Oregon) conference and the state realized that." Prior to taking the head coaching job in 1992, Johnston spent the previous 14 years as Eagle Point's defensive coordinator. He said he wouldn't rule out coaching football again, even as an assistant. "I like teaching kids and I love this community - if the right opportunity came along I would certainly consider it," said Johnston, who will continue to serve as Eagle Point's track coach. Johnston said he has received support and condolences from other coaches and former players. One former player told Johnston that the coach was among the three most influential people in the former player's life. The ex-player said that his parents were the other two, but that Johnston "wasn't necessarily No. 3," said Johnston. "It's nice to know that you've got some respect out there," Johnston said. Hutchins, meanwhile, is pregnant and is taking a leave of absence in addition to resigning her volleyball post, Bergen said. Wright led the Rogue River girls to the Class 3A state cross country championship in 2000 and to a runner-up finish this past season. Reach reporter Don Hunt at 776-4469, or e-mail [email protected] Mail Tribune Home | Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. | Dow Jones & Co., Inc. | Privacy | Contact Us Copyright � 2001 Mail Tribune, Inc.