Raiders TE coach Bobby Johnson will be head coach in East-West Shrine Game

Raiders tight ends coach Bobby Johnson is a well-respected coach in the NFL ranks, and initially was the only coach whose name was made public as one of the team’s interviews last week to fulfill the Rooney Rule. The other being USC Offensive Coordinator Tee Martin.

Today the NFL announced Johnson will be the head coach of the West squad for the 93rd annual East-West Shrine Game which will be held on January 20th at 3pm Eastern time in St Petersburg Florida.

According to the press release:

Coaches nominated by NFL clubs must be active assistant coaches who display extraordinary teaching and communications skills, and are recognized for their integrity and commitment to excellence in the coaching profession. The coaches must be accomplished at developing and preparing players to compete in the NFL.

Johnson has spent the past three seasons as the Raiders’ tight ends coach. Prior to his time in Oakland, Johnson spent five seasons with the Detroit Lions (2013-14), Jacksonville Jaguars (2013) and Buffalo Bills (2010-11).

The college football all star game features NFL eligible players looking to get one last shot to showcase their talents for the NFL. Johnson being the head coach provides an up close and personal look at some of these prospects which can benefit him and the Raiders organization in scouting them.