BATON ROUGE — Nikita Johnson, an assistant coach for the men’s basketball team for the past three seasons, has resigned from his position at LSU to take the position of associate men’s head basketball coach at Louisiana Tech University for new head coach Kerry Rupp.
“I really appreciate the opportunity Coach (John) Brady gave me,” said Johnson. Going to Louisiana Tech is a step that can lead toward becoming a head coach, and that’s my ultimate goal.”
Johnson was part of LSU teams that won two Southeastern Conference Western Division championships, an SEC regular season title and appeared in two NCAA Tournaments, including the 2006 NCAA Final Four.
“Nikita is in a position to be the associate head coach up there, so it’s a step up for him in responsibility and salary,” said Brady, who will enter his 11th season as the LSU coach in 2007-08. “I’m excited for him. I wish him well. He’s done well here. He’s worked hard, he’s a good coach and person.”
There is no time table, according to Brady, for the interview process and the naming of a new member of the staff.