Coach | Jordan Johnson Makes Impact On & Off Field

Chip Long had a hand in recruiting Jordan Johnson‍ to Notre Dame, but after a conversation with his head coach, the 2020 Irish wide receiver commit didn’t see any reason to reconsider his decision with the news that the offensive coordinator was leaving the program.

“We had a talk and I just told him about the lack of stability with coaches these days,” De Smet Jesuit High School head coach Robert Steeples said. “You’re not just committing to a coaching staff, you’re committing to that school’s standard.

“We’re both very comfortable knowing that Notre Dame has the standard to command a quality replacement for Coach Long.”

Johnson signed with the Irish on Wednesday.

De Smet just capped off a perfect 14-0 season, which included the school’s first district title since 2012 and the first state championship since 2005.

Steeples said Johnson “meant everything” to the program.

“He’s one of the most influential guys for our culture,” the coach said. “Even as a sophomore, he was a leader. He made working hard and competing in practice, being coachable, he made all of those things the standard, made them celebrated and made them cool.”

Steeples, who had a successful career at Memphis before spending some time in the NFL, has worked to create a certain culture at the school and Johnson has helped reinforce it.

“It’s one that is unfamiliar for a lot of kids, so for a guy like Jordan to come in and buy in right off the bat and be infectious to those around him, that was pretty awesome,” he said.

Steeples expects Johnson “to contribute early” at Notre Dame.

“He’s definitely got some room for growth in a lot of areas being that it’s going to be a high level of competition,” the coach continued. “But honestly, I expect him to rise to the occasion and he’s the type of kid who is always looking to improve anyway.

And he expects Johnson to make the kind of impact at Notre Dame that he did at De Smet before he’s done.

“They’re getting a very exciting player and a guy who can be a quarterback’s best friend,” Steeples said. “I think he can definitely play at the next level. He’s got all of the tools. He’s got the work ethic.

“As they see more what he can do, I think they’ll use him in the offense. He’s also active in blocking, so he’ll also be an aspect in the running game.”