Micah Johnson is making the move from player to coach with the Roughriders. (Saskatchewan Roughriders)

By CKOM

defensive line coach

Defensive lineman Micah Johnson moves from player to coach with Roughriders

Jan 5, 2026 | 9:52 AM

After 13 seasons as a player in the CFL, defensive lineman Micah Johnson is ready to hang up his cleats and pick up a whistle.

The three-time Grey Cup champion was signed by the Riders as a free agent in 2019 and played 80 games for the team over five seasons. But just because he won’t be on the field in 2026, doesn’t mean he’s done with football. Johnson, who moved to Regina along with his family on a permanent basis in 2023, is taking on the role of defensive line coach for the Roughriders.

In 2025, Johnson became the first 37-year-old defensive player to earn All-CFL honours. But while Johnson’s statistics as a player are impressive – with six sacks and 20 defensive tackles last season – the team noted that his impact on the Green and White goes far beyond his stat lines.

“Routinely commanding double – and even triple-team attention, he consistently freed up teammates to make plays of their own. Most recently, this influence helped the Club rank third in the CFL in sacks in 2025 and second in the West in sacks in 2024,” the CFL club said in a statement.

“Beyond his on-field accomplishments, Johnson has long been known for his work ethic and football intellect. He also joined the Saskatchewan Roughrider Foundation as a Player Ambassador, travelling across the province to teach students the importance of mental wellness and literacy through the Win with Wellness and Rider Reading programs, work he will continue through the 2025 off-season.”

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Johnson, who was born in Columbus, Georgia, has also spent time with the New York Giants, Miami Dolphins, Cincinnati Bengals, Green Bay Packers and Kansas City Chiefs in the NFL, along with the Calgary Stampeders, B.C. Lions and Hamilton Tiger-Cats in Canada.

Johnson and Riders head coach Corey Mace are set to hold a news conference on Monday to share more details about the move.

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