Ohio State women's hockey is hiring former Blue Jackets defenseman Jack Johnson as associate head coach, according to a team release July 23.
Johnson, 39, retired in January 2026 after 19 seasons in the
NHL, including eight seasons with the Blue Jackets. He joined the Vancouver Canucks as a pro scout, according to a Jan. 6 report from NHL.com.
"It's such a privilege and honor to be involved with the best women's college hockey program in the country," Johnson said in the release. "I can't wait for the season to start and to continue Ohio State's pursuit of national championships."
The third overall pick in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft, Johnson was traded from the Los Angeles Kings to the Jackets during the 2011-12 NHL season. He played the following six seasons with Columbus, recording 36 goals, 118 assists and 154 points in his first stint with the team and helping the club reach the playoffs in 2014 and 2017.
In 2010, Johnson was part of the U.S. men's hockey team at the Vancouver Winter Olympics and won a silver medal.
"We're really excited to have a new member join our family here at Ohio State," said Ohio State coach Nadine Muzerall. "To bring in Jack Johnson is going to continue to make our program better, both on the ice and really contribute to recruiting. When we talk about Ohio State, we talk about family and how we're all united. I think its very important that he exemplifies that. He's going to bring that to our program and I think our recruits are going to see that and I know our girls are going to feel that."
Johnson won a Stanley Cup with the Colorado Avalanche in 2022. He brought the Cup to Dublin for his kids to eat ice cream out of when it was his turn to celebrate with the trophy. He played his final NHL games with Columbus after signing a one-year deal in the 2024-25 season at league-minimum salary.
Johnson played hockey at the University of Michigan, earning CCHA All-Rookie Team honors in 2006 and a First Team All-CCHA nod in 2007. He earned a degree from Michigan in 2022, according to the release.
The Ohio State women's hockey team is coming off a national championship runner-up season and a WCHA championship. Five active players participated in the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics, including U.S. forward Joy Dunne, who won a gold medal.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Ex-Blue Jacket Jack Johnson joins OSU women's hockey coaching staff
