Marshall Faulk hires former UFL Head Coach C.J. Johnson to staff

It didn’t take too long for the much beloved Roughnecks/Gamblers Head Coach C.J. Johnson to find a “home”. After announcing that he would not be returning to the UFL, Johnson is now joining Marshall Faulk at Southern University (FCS) as the team’s General Manager and Senior Advisor.

It is with a heavy heart that I inform the UFL community that CJ Johnson and his staff have been let go and will not return the 2026 season.

Below is a statement from CJ on the situation. It was a pleasure to work with him and his staff the past 3 seasons. I wish them the best. pic.twitter.com/Wt0aH0Cfyb

— Ace: United Football Media Gamblers Insider (@AceUFM) November 29, 2025

Johnson returns to college for the first time since 2015, when he was the head coach at Tulane. He spent the last three seasons with the Houston Gamblers and Roughnecks through the transition of the USFL-XFL merger to the UFL putting together a 9-17 record with the franchise.

Johnson’s career in spring football has been at times filled with hilarious soundbites, and moments often giving fans plenty of “hot-mic” moments. He joins a Southern University team coming off a 2-10 season after winning the SWAC conference’s West division in 2024.