James Johnson, a Ferrum College alumnus and seasoned Division I coach, has been appointed head coach of the Panthers' men's basketball program, succeeding Patrick Corrigan who now serves as associate head coach at the University of West Florida.
Johnson's journey in college basketball spans more than three decades, beginning with his standout playing days at Ferrum before he moved into coaching roles that included a head coaching stint at Virginia Tech and extensive assistant positions at the Division I level.
The Panthers enjoyed a strong 2025‑26 season, capturing the No. 3 seed in the Conference Carolinas tournament, and the administration believes Johnson's deep ties to the institution and proven leadership will propel the team to new heights.
A Homecoming for a Familiar Face
Ferrum officials highlighted Johnson's intimate knowledge of the program and his ability to blend tradition with fresh strategy, citing his proven track record of developing talent and fostering competitive spirit.
Corrigan's transition to the University of West Florida marks a new chapter for both the coach and the school, as he steps into an associate head coach role that promises to leverage his own experience in a different conference environment.