It has been a busy summer for new Franklin Regional football coach Brian Johnson.
Between his role as the school’s director of facilities, where he oversees maintenance, repairs and contractor coordination on building projects, and coaching the football team, Johnson has little free time.
Johnson, 43, replaced Luke Getsy, who resigned in November after five seasons, compiling a 24-30 record and leading the Panthers to the WPIAL playoffs four times.
The Panthers won the conference title in 2022 but finished 1-9 overall and 0-6 in Class 5A Big East during Getsy’s final season.
“I’m pleased with the progress we’ve made so far this summer,” said Johnson, who served as an offensive line and strength coach under Getsy. “We need to change our standards and culture. This is my program now, and it’s time to steer the ship.”
Johnson played for two legendary coaches — George Novak at Woodland Hills and Geno DeMarco at Geneva.
He also coached at Woodland Hills (2018-22) and at Mt. Lebanon under Bob Palko (2022-23) before joining Getsy’s staff.
“Coach Novak taught me to control the controllables,” Johnson said. “We are trying to instill a work ethic and build confidence.”
Along with conditioning, Johnson took his team to Pitt’s 7-on-7 camp where the Panthers defeated Montour but fell to Thomas Jefferson and Woodbridge, Ohio.
The Panthers are participating in the Westmoreland County Coaches’ Association tournament on July 16 at Latrobe.
The off-season also has allowed Johnson to evaluate his quarterback candidates — junior Dom Devola and sophomore Brock Bowser. Both saw time under center in 2025.
Devola completed 55 of 123 passes for 588 yards and four touchdowns, and Bowser completed 15 of 19 passes for 114 yards and a score. Devola also rushed for 268 yards and a score.
“We saw some good things,” Johnson said. “We are making some minor changes to the offense. We were missing some key contributors at Pitt.”
Those absent included junior defensive back Amauri Jones-Lane, junior wide receiver Oliver Levens, sophomore Kaydin Cay and senior tight end Kadon Ferrell, who has Division I offers from Miami (Ohio) and Robert Morris.
Running back Jet Taylor, who rushed for 692 yards and six touchdowns and caught nine passes for 84 yards, is a key piece of the offense.
Johnson is counting on Taylor, Ferrell, linebacker Tommy Verruggio and lineman Ben Chiarizo to be leaders.
They and the rest of the team were helping at the annual Franklin Regional Youth Football Camp the week of July 7.
Johnson said more than 50 young players attended the camp where they learned different skills, conditioning stretches, and played flag football.
“We are just trying to teach them proper techniques,” Johnson said. “We had four areas set up and the kids were taught all offensive and defensive positions.”
There was also a youth camp for special needs students July 9.
Coaches and varsity players were on hand to teach the various skills.