MACOMB, IL — Western Illinois University's Director of Athletics, Paul A. Bubb, has announced the hiring of Kooten Johnson as the new men's soccer head coach, effective January 1, 2026.
"We are fortunate to have an alumnus of the men's soccer program, a former head coach, and a person very familiar with our current program to take the reins of our men's soccer program," Bubb said. "I am confident that Kooten will provide the leadership we need at this time for our men's soccer program and our place in the Ohio Valley Conference."
Johnson returns to lead the program after previously serving on staff at Western Illinois and brings a strong combination of Division I experience, head coaching success, and deep ties to the Leatherneck community. He becomes just the third head coach in program history, following the legacies of John MacKenzie and longtime head coach Dr. Eric Johnson, his father.
"I am honored and excited to be named the next head coach at Western Illinois University, only the third coach in program history," Johnson said. "That figure alone represents the strong foundation that was put in place by John MacKenzie and continued by my dad, Eric Johnson. My main goal will be to represent the program similarly and build on the storied success and traditions of Leatherneck Soccer."
Johnson has spent the last two years as an assistant coach with the Leatherneck women's soccer team while also working with the men's program. In this role, he was involved in all day-to-day aspects of the program, including recruiting, practice planning, opponent scouting, compliance, budgeting, academic oversight, and community engagement.
Before his return to Macomb, Johnson spent four seasons as an assistant men's soccer coach at Purdue University Fort Wayne. During his tenure, the Mastodons recorded the first postseason win in program history, achieved a top-10 regional ranking, posted the highest RPI in the Horizon League, and set a Division I-era school record for goals-against average in 2023.
Johnson also brings extensive head coaching experience. He served as head men's soccer coach at Monmouth College from 2013 to 2020, earning Midwest Conference Coach of the Year honors in 2019 while leading teams that set multiple program defensive records and excelled academically. At the club level, Johnson guided Fort Wayne United FC's U17 and U19 teams to a state championship and regional qualification in 2022.
A former Leatherneck student-athlete, Johnson played for Western Illinois from 2008 to 2011, serving as team captain during his senior season and earning Mr. Leatherneck honors in 2011. He was a Second Team All-Summit League selection and helped lead the Leathernecks to Summit League championships and NCAA Tournament appearances in 2009 and 2011.
Johnson holds a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education from Western Illinois University and a United States Soccer Federation National D License. He will look to build upon the success of the men's program last year as the Leathernecks prepare for the upcoming season.
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