SAN JOSE — Stephen Johnson will step down as head coach of the Branham soccer crew after the conclusion of the Bruins’ 2024 season, he completely informed the Bay Space Information Group on Friday.
Johnson, who has coached the Bruins since 2018, mentioned a number of elements performed a job in his choice to depart Branham’s sideline after this yr. Essentially the most impactful one? He must concentrate on his personal general well-being.
“At the end of the day, I’ve got to put myself first,” Johnson mentioned. “I’ve never put myself first ever. I’m a very selfless person, and I really put everything else before me, and I figure it out when it comes to me. But I think it’s time for once in my life to finally say, ‘Hey, it’s time to grow up. It’s time to get your act together.’ It’s time to think about long-term security and stability financially, emotionally, mentally, all that stuff.”
In his seven years in command of Branham’s program, Johnson has compiled an general report of 50-22. Throughout his seven-year tenure, the Bruins have been promoted from the Blossom Valley Athletic League’s Santa Teresa Division to its Santa Teresa – Foothill Division, and eventually this season to its highest division, the Mt. Hamilton.
Branham superior to the CCS Division IV championship sport in 2022, dropping 23-15 to Santa Teresa. The Bruins received outright or shared league championships below Johnson in 2023, 2022 and 2019.
Substitute educating has been Johnson’s day job whereas teaching the Bruins. He loves working with Branham’s gamers, however at this level, he feels he must prioritize his skilled profession over his ardour.
“Not even just a teaching position, I’m just looking for just a job in general,” Johnson mentioned. “If I can coach, that’s great, but right now I just need a job, a job with benefits, a job that allows me to live comfortably and not go to bed hungry during the summer time. I don’t work during the summer because I sub.”
Branham coach Stephen Johnson is photographed on the sidelines within the within the second half of a sport at Lincoln-San Jose in 2022. (Photograph by Josie Lepe)
This choice, which Johnson knowledgeable his gamers of after their 42-13 win over Leigh on Friday night time, is one he has wrestled with. The feelings of parting methods along with his gamers are troublesome to deal with.
“Being the head coach at Branham High School is my identity,” Johnson mentioned. “The job and the title, every ounce of it through and through, it is me. The idea that this thing that I’ve identified with for so long and made it my personality, my whole entire being, it’s definitely a tough pill to swallow. It’s not that I want to do it. I have to do it, unfortunately.”
Johnson will end out this marketing campaign with Branham within the CCS playoffs, which the Bruins have certified for after a 7-3 general common season and third-place end (4-2) within the BVAL Mt. Hamilton Division.
“I want to continue to make these guys the best version of themselves and give them everything they want, their goals and aspirations they want to get out of the season, more than anything,” he mentioned. “It’s not about me, it’s about them, their goals that they set forth and want to accomplish this year.”
Associated Articles
Excessive Faculty Sports activities |
Northgate clinches playoff spot with decisive victory over Mt. Diablo
Excessive Faculty Sports activities |
Serra recaptures some momentum earlier than playoffs, beats Valley Christian in a WCAL finale
Excessive Faculty Sports activities |
‘Dream season’: Gunderson finishes off good BVAL marketing campaign with large win over crosstown rival San Jose
Excessive Faculty Sports activities |
Sacred Coronary heart Cathedral arms Bellarmine historic highschool soccer loss
Excessive Faculty Sports activities |
Epic end! Granada rallies to beat Livermore, captures first league title since 2018
Johnson mentioned his choice is just not tied to Branham’s change of athletic director after the controversial dismissal of Landon Jacobs, nevertheless it does make it a bit simpler to say goodbye. The Bruins employed Kaleb Lane as their new AD previous to this educational yr.
“No fault of Kaleb, but it’s easier to do it now without Landon here,” Johnson mentioned. “The connection and what I constructed with Landon over the course of this time collectively, I actually have a look at Landon as not only a boss, however truthfully extra so like a job mannequin and father determine. In order that relationship not being there anymore makes it simpler to stroll away.
“Would it have made a difference if Landon was still here? No, because he can’t put money in my pocket. He can’t put food on my table at the end of the day, and so he would understand. I know that for a fact. But I don’t think whoever’s the AD affects the decision at the end of the day. I’ve definitely been putting myself on the back burner. I think it’s time, it’s been time to put myself first for once.”
