WACO, Texas – Bethel University head football coach Steve Johnson was named the Division III Region 5 Coach of the Year, announced by the American Football Coaches Association Tuesday morning. It's Johnson's third regional coaching honor having accomplished the same feat in 1996 and 2013.
 
Johnson guided the Royals to a 10-3 season marking the third 10-win season in the last 10 years and sixth under Coach J. The Royals appeared in their 11th NCAA tournament, all have come under the direction of Johnson, and made a run to the quarterfinals for the fifth time in program history.
 
Boasting a 244-108-1 (.693) all-time record, he will enter the 2023 season as Division III all-time wins leader among active coaches. The 244 ranks 15th all-time in Division III and he is currently tied for the third among active coaches for longest tenured in DIII.
 
The Royals produced 15 All-MIAC honorees this year and four honorable mention players. Senior quarterback Jaran Roste headlined the group being named the MIAC Offensive Player of the Year while Devin Williams was named the inaugural Rookie of the Year.