Texas Wesleyan Promotes Fran Johnson to Head Football Coach as Rams Build Toward NCAA Division II 

FORT WORTH, Texas — Texas Wesleyan University has promoted Fran Johnson to head football coach, university officials announced Tuesday. 

Johnson becomes the third head coach in program history since the university reinstated football in 2017. After serving as the Rams’ offensive coordinator for the past five seasons, Johnson was named interim head coach Feb. 18, 2026, and will now lead the program permanently as Texas Wesleyan continues its pursuit of NCAA Division II membership. 

The announcement comes at a time of significant momentum for Ram Athletics, as the university recently opened the Moritz Fieldhouse and entered the final phase of development for Karen Cramer Stadium, with completion anticipated in winter 2027. 

“Coach Fran Johnson represents the leadership, discipline and vision that reflect the spirit of Texas Wesleyan,” said President Dr. Emily Messer. “Promoting Coach Johnson from within provides continuity for our student-athletes and momentum for our winning program. He is known as a leader who embodies our core values of connection, commitment, compassion and courage. We look forward to Coach Johnson taking our football program to the next level.” 

Texas Wesleyan Athletic Director Ricky Dotson said Johnson’s promotion reflects the program’s continued growth and success. 

“Promoting Fran Johnson to head football coach was a natural decision for us,” Dotson said. “Fran has been a key part of our program as offensive coordinator and has earned the respect of our players, coaches and the entire Texas Wesleyan community. He understands our culture and believes in developing student-athletes while bringing a clear vision for where Rams Football is headed.” 

Johnson played a significant role in building Texas Wesleyan into one of the NAIA’s most dynamic offenses during his tenure with the Rams. In 2024, Texas Wesleyan led the nation in scoring across both NAIA and NCAA programs, averaging 57.5 points per game. During his five seasons as offensive coordinator, the Rams ranked among the top 10 offenses nationally each year. 

Johnson’s offense helped guide the Rams to their first NAIA playoff appearance in 2024, followed by a return to the postseason in 2025. The team also captured the Sooner Athletic Conference regular-season championship four consecutive years, including an outright title in 2024. 

Prior to joining Texas Wesleyan, Johnson served as offensive coordinator at Benedictine College, where the program made four NAIA playoff appearances and finished as the national runner-up in 2018. 

“This campus isn’t just a community, it’s family,” Johnson said. “I’m grateful to President Messer and Athletic Director Ricky Dotson for their trust and support. I thank God for the opportunity to continue contributing and making a difference in the lives of our student-athletes. I look forward to building on the success of this program and leading Ram Football into the next era as we pursue NCAA Division II.” 

Johnson will begin his tenure immediately as the Rams prepare for spring practices and the upcoming 2026 football season. 

-TXWES-