Marcel Johnson picked to lead Knightdale football program

Marcell Johnson has been named the head football coach at Knightdale High School, returning to lead the program that he starred for.

A 2014 graduate of Knightdale, Johnson continued his playing career at James Madison University as a defensive back, where he was a member of the 2016 FCS National Championship team.

The coach is taking over for Pooh Ward, who left to become the head coach at SouthWest Edgecombe High School.

Knightdale is coming off a 3-7 overall finish and a 2-3 Northern Six 6A/7A finish in the 2025 season.

• 2026 North Carolina high school football coaching changes

Johnson brings six years of coaching experience to the position, including the previous five seasons serving as Knightdale’s defensive backs coach.

"Throughout his coaching career, he has been committed to developing student-athletes both on and off the field while building meaningful relationships throughout the Knightdale community," the school said in an announcement.

"As Head Coach, Johnson is committed to building a championship culture rooted in faith, family, discipline, and accountability. He believes that when faith and family remain the foundation, everything else aligns. His mission is to develop young men who compete with excellence, lead with integrity, and leave the program prepared to become successful husbands, fathers, and leaders in their communities."

Johnson is a proud father to his five-year-old daughter. He says that fatherhood has reinforced his passion for mentoring young people and has strengthened his belief that coaching is about far more than wins and losses and more about the lasting impact on lives of the next generation.

“I am honored to return to my alma mater as Head Football Coach,” Johnson said. “Knightdale helped shape the man I am today, and I am grateful for the opportunity to give back to this community. Together, we will build a program that develops not only championship athletes, but noble, life champions.”