KATT HARDING / SPORTS EDITOR

Before racing boats hit the water again, the University of San Diego has welcomed longtime San Diego men’s rowing coach Zach Johnson to the staff. Johnson brings more than two decades of experience to the team, becoming the program’s   sixth  coach in  history.

Johnson steps in following the departure of former head coach Bart Thompson, which left the program in the hands of its two assistant coaches for the remainder of the spring.

As  USD rowers gear up for fall training, Johnson takes charge of the squad. The rowers have   posted  steady  results  within the Western Intercollegiate Rowing Association (WIRA), where they compete each spring.

Johnson spent 13 years at UC San Diego where he helped the Tritons  win multiple WIRA Team  Trophy  titles and San Diego Crew Classic Cal Cup races. His crews also claimed back-to-back Western Sprints championships in 2018 and 2019, and he earned four WIRA Coach of the Year awards during his career. Now, Johnson heads across San Diego to see if he can repeat that success with the Toreros.

Senior coxswain Jonah McDonnell sees Johnson’s arrival as an important shift for a program on the rise. McDonnell said the team is optimistic but cautious as they adjust to new leadership.

“He  has a lot more experience at a high level of rowing  than our previous coach did,” McDonnell said. “But we haven’t practiced with him yet, so we’ll have to see how his style actually plays out once we’re back on the water.”

McDonnell also noted that the team is hoping for a shift in coaching culture.

“I think most of us want someone who’s a coach first and a friend second,” McDonnell commented. “Our last coach got really personal with people, and some  of  us  felt that crossed a line.”

USD Associate Vice President and Executive Director of Athletics Kimya Massey emphasized that Johnson’s leadership, character and ties to the local rowing community match what the Toreros need. 

“His vision, character, and commitment to excellence make him the right leader for the future of our men’s rowing program,” Massey said in a statement to USD Athletics. 

Johnson expressed eager anticipation about his new role.

“I am so excited for this opportunity,” Johnson shared   in a USD Athletics release. “I am impressed with  the staff  and the support for the program and look forward to bringing national recognition to USD.” 

Recognized throughout West Coast rowing for his technical expertise and athlete development, Johnson’s coaching style has produced winning crews at every stage of his career.

With his vast background in San Diego rowing and a record of building competitive boats, Johnson brings his experience to USD as the program enters the 2026-27 season looking to see how the transition affects its standing.

Zach Johnson out coaching on the water. Photo courtesy of @ucsdmrowing/Instagram