Johnny Nansen

Johnny Nansen (born February 28, 1974) is a Samoan-born American football coach and former linebacker. He is the co-defensive coordinator and inside linebackers coach for the University of Texas at Austin, a position he has held since 2024.

Early life Nansen was born on February 28, 1974, in Apia, Samoa and lived in Laulii, American Samoa early in his childhood. Nansen moved to the mainland United States at the age of 14.

Playing career Nansen played football at Jordan High School in Long Beach, California and went on to play college football at Washington State University, where he was on the team from 1992 to 1996.

UCLA In 2020, Nansen was hired as the defensive line coach at UCLA, following the departure of the Bruins' defensive line coach Vince Oghobaase to Boston College.

Arizona In December 2021 he was named the defensive coordinator for the Arizona Wildcats under Jedd Fisch to replace Don Brown.

Texas In January 2024, Nansen joined the Longhorns as a co-defensive coordinator/inside linebackers coach, reuniting with Steve Sarkisian. Sarkisian and Nansen had previous work experience together at Washington and USC.