Edgar Johnson - Men's Swimming & Diving Coach - University of Delaware Athletics

Edgar Johnson

Title:
Head Coach
Education:
Delaware '67 '70

University of Delaware
Athletics Hall of Fame
Class of 2017

EDGAR N. JOHNSON
Men’s Swimming (1962-66)
Men's Cross Country Head Coach (1971-79)
Women's Swimming Head Coach (1979-84)
Men's Swimming Head Coach (1981-84)
Director of Athletics (1984-2009)

Over a span of five decades, as a standout swimmer, multiple-sport coach, and Director of Athletics, few individuals have devoted as much time and talent to University of Delaware Athletics than Edgar Johnson.

A native of Wilmington, Del., Edgar was a record-breaking swimmer in 10 events and two-time captain who earned UD degrees in 1967 (physical education & health education) and 1970 (master’s in guidance and counseling).

He joined the UD Athletics staff in 1969 and served in a variety of roles, including assistant swimming & diving coach, assistant athletic trainer, assistant track & field coach, instructor in physical education, associate professor, and head coach for the men’s cross country and men’s and women’s swimming & diving teams. His women’s swimming teams won an incredible 42 straight dual meets and placed ninth at the 1981 AIAW national championships.

As athletics director he enjoyed a distinguished 25-year career in which he led the Blue Hens program to new heights, directing UD from the East Coast Conference to the America East Conference and to its current home in the Colonial Athletic Association.

Delaware captured 10 consecutive America East Commissioner’s Cup Awards, won 83 conference titles, and appeared in 32 NCAA Championships during his tenure.

He was inducted into the UD Wall of Fame in 2011 and received the prestigious James Lynah Service Award for contributions to college athletics by the Eastern College Athletic Conference in 2014.

The Edgar Johnson Award is presented in his honor each year to the UD senior male athlete who best exemplifies the characteristics of hard work, dedication, fairness, and striving for excellence.